We are in the final chapter of the book of James. It is a lengthy chapter in which James, the brother of Jesus, addresses the dispersed and persecuted church. James is calling these Christians into maturity. In this final section of his letter, James wants his readers to see what mature faith looks like amid mistreatment and injustice, a season of waiting, suffering, and sickness. He desires the church to demonstrate their faith through their speech, conduct, and faith. He opens with a rebuke to the rich who have taken advantage of their employees:
1Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. 5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.
Perhaps you have been in a position of wealth and influence. Still, many of us can relate to the person who has not been fairly compensated or acknowledged for their efforts. God sees those who have been cheated, but James also warns the wealthy that their materialism cannot enter eternity, and that the Lord has seen their indulgences. James is once again mirroring the teachings of Jesus, particularly in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money” (ESV).
7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. …You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
James now turns his attention to those who have experienced this very injustice, affirming that God sees them. God recognizes their hard work, sees their mistreatment, and hears their cries. James compares them to a farmer who waits for the autumn and spring rains. These rains were necessary, and when they came, they would establish the newly planted crop and give it growth before harvest.
James uses the example of the prophets who stood fast in their faith even in the midst of their persecution. God, too, sees the patience and waiting of the faithful who have experienced injustice and suffering. However, he also gives these Christians the hope of Job, who endured tremendous loss, and James reminds readers of God’s great mercy toward Job. James is not promising an earthly restoration like Job received; however, He is reminding readers that God's mercy is great. James then turns to another attribute in faith: integrity of words.
12 Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.
James wants these Christians to live in complete honesty. God has seen their suffering and the injustice done to them. They are being reminded that their speech and taming their tongue, even in the midst of persecution, is an act of obedience to Christ.
13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
James encourages the church that there is power in prayer. Whether in seasons of waiting, sickness, or joy, we are to turn to God in prayer. Prayer is a powerful provision to the church and is meant to be used in every season.
After seven years of trying to conceive children, Joe and I were diagnosed with infertility. Several physicians told us that if we ever desired children, we would need a donor and several surgeries. We prayed and stood in faith for biological children. We asked others to lay hands on us and pray. However, years passed, and no pregnancy happened for us.
Provision of a family came for us through adoption. The Lord made it very clear that was the path we were meant to move forward in to grow our family. Eventually, we adopted our second son, and then 15 years into our marriage, I became pregnant. We had waited, prayed, and trusted, were content with the family God had given us, and even later received our surprise child. Through years of waiting and grieving, God blessed us with a family. This is not everyone’s infertility story, and is not how God answers everyone’s desire for children; however, it is our story of suffering, waiting, praying, and receiving the children God had for us.
As we conclude this incredible study of the letter written by James. There are so many amazing themes to continually theoretically chew on and continue to be pruned in as a Christian who desires to grow in Christ. James has addressed the need for wisdom, joy in the midst of trials, being doers and not just hearers of the word, resisting judgment, curbing the tongue, and many other exhortations to help the believer grow. James, throughout this writing, has echoed Jesus’ teaching and has spurred the believer on in right, holy living. Ultimately, James reminds the reader that faith is not merely professed; it is lived out. It is demonstrated in how we live, how we speak, how we wait, and how we depend on God.
Prayer:
God, thank you for seeing me in seasons of suffering, injustice, and waiting. Thank you for the reminder that I can remain faithful and conduct myself with integrity even when life is difficult. Like Job, may I remember that you are full of mercy and love toward me. Help me to trust you during difficult seasons. I ask that you would help me to guard my tongue. I want to be a woman of integrity at all times. Grow me and mature me, all for your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection Questions
Where have I felt the need to bring justice for myself instead of trusting God?
Is there an area of my life where I need to release control like the farmer, continue to work with integrity, and trust God with the outcome?
Even in the midst of difficult seasons, do I maintain self-control over my words?
Is there an area of my life I need to have prayer over?