![]() ![]() He knew that worry and questioning God’s care and control wouldn’t squeeze even one drop out of the sky – so, in view of the valuable crop that was coming, he was patient and waited for the Lord. He worked hard, but when he was done working he put it in the Lord’s hands. He learned to recognize that the timing was out of his control. If either rain failed to fall, both crop and farmer were doomed. Then in March or April, when the crops were blooming, the farmer watched for the spring rains to come, to provide the moisture that would fill the heads with fruit. In ancient Palestine, the farmer counted on rain around the end of October to soften up the land so he could begin his plowing and planting. A farmer can’t do much to speed the growth of his crops. James uses an everyday scenario to illustrate his point: see how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. Viewing all of life in light of that serious and significant moment will help us keep the present in its proper perspective. That is the end we all are looking forward to, a conclusion to life that no one will be able to avoid. All the things that consume our time and attention now: wealth, possessions, prestige, power, pleasure, presents are put in their proper place – they either aided our faith or detracted from it. In that moment, when a soul stands before its Judge only one thing matters: the presence or absence of saving faith in Jesus Christ. In that moment, the list of what really matters grows very short. Previously that corpse had a soul living in it – either the soul of a child of God saved through faith in Christ or the soul of a filthy, unrepentant unbeliever which will be tossed into the darkness to suffer forever in hell. When you look to the end of life – yours or anyone else’s – and you see a dead, lifeless corpse. We’re anticipating the day we meet our Lord…so let’s fast forward and see what that day will look like. That’s James’ point: be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. ![]() Why, do you think, it seems to get easier to wait for Christmas the older you get? Is it because instead of fun toys we get to open up socks? Is it because we’re too busy to think about it? Is it because after a few years you realize Christmas can never live up to the hype surrounding it? Or, is it because when you have some years under your belt you have a better perspective on what Christmas means in the larger scope of life? Having the proper perspective and expectations makes a big difference in how we wait. James teaches us Good Things Come to Those Who Wait with the rare combination of perspective, patience, and perseverance. Waiting is difficult in a whole host of situations – but this morning James helps us find patience in the most important waiting game: waiting for our Savior’s coming. We’re waiting for the treatment to work, waiting for a raise, waiting for our children to grow up and mature. We hate waiting for car repairs and oil changes, and fast food is never fast enough. But it’s not just kids, is it? Maybe as adults we’re not waiting for Christmas presents, but we’re waiting nonetheless. It’s no wonder kids get so impatient – they are surrounded by the signs of what is to come and they want it to be here now. Christmas carols fill the air and Christmas movies fill the TV. The dull regularity of a mail box filled with bills and junk mail has been replaced with exciting Christmas cards and mysterious packages. Christmas trees, lights, and yard decorations have been up for weeks already. And, when you look around, it’s hard to blame them. Is there anything harder for sinful humans to do well than wait? Especially this time of year, and especially for children, waiting is a challenge. ![]()
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