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THE PROPHETS AS EXAMPLES
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23
James 5:10

Matthew 5:10-12

 

“…for great

is your reward in heaven…”

 

THE PROPHETS AS EXAMPLES
 
According to the Bible, the prophet is a speaker of, or for, God. His words are not from his own spirit, but come from a higher source. He proclaims the inspired utterances on behalf of God by forth-telling and foretelling. He warns the people of their waywardness and announces God’s future dealings with His people. His words are the inspired utterances on behalf of God’s authority, and thus his words are God’s authoritative words.
 
Suffering affliction: James commands the believers to consider and ponder the life of the prophets in the past. They were faithful to their tasks in the midst of a rebellious and wicked people. James says we must learn from their patience. The prophets suffered many trials and afflictions, not just minor pains. Many were persecuted to the point of death. They were courageously sustained in their faith because they were mindful of the One who had appointed them and His promises to them. Thus, James concludes that believers too must learn to be patient in the Lord.
 
Suffering with patience: In pointing out the example of the patient prophets who suffered, James further encourages the believers to endure unjust sufferings. The Greek word for “suffering” is kakopatheia, a compound word from kakos (evil) and pathos (to suffer). They were suffering because of the evil deeds of those around them. The prophets were repaid with cruel and violent responses. Many of them “…were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth” (Heb 11:35-38).
 
The prophets were persecuted, but they continued, and their patience in their trials and afflictions is a model for us today.
 
THOUGHT: Do I have the patience to endure afflictions?
PRAYER: Father, may I learn patience from the prophets of old, trusting only in Thee, the Omnipotent God.

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