Opening Prayer
I praise you, Lord Jesus, for you are the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6).
Read JAMES 5:1–12
Warning to Rich Oppressors
5 Now 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.[a] 6 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.
Patience in Suffering
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. 9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
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.
Footnotes
- James 5:5 Or yourselves as in a day of feasting
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Meditate
‘Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!’1 This is the God we worship!
Think Further
Today’s reading continues with the theme of riches or, more precisely, ‘rich people’ (v. 1) who are oppressing the community to whom James writes – and these are roundly condemned by James. The opening verses contain, perhaps, the harshest statements within the letter, as James’ accusations and warnings are uncompromising in tone (vv. 1–6). How should the oppressed respond in this situation? They should wait for the coming of the Lord, because at that time God will judge those who abuse their wealth to oppress others. Just as the farmer has to wait patiently, unable to do anything to speed the growth of his crop, so those who are oppressed should wait patiently for the Lord’s return, in the realization that the timing of this is the Lord’s (vv. 7, 8). James reminds the oppressed that the patience required is the same as that shown by the prophets and by Job, who persevered through his time of trial (vv. 10, 11). In the final verse of our reading today, we have the closest thing to a direct quote of Jesus within the letter.2 In context, it seems to refer to another response that the oppressed should avoid – taking vows that signify their impatience with God’s timing.
James’ warning to the rich oppressors and encouragement to those being oppressed lies in the fact that the Lord will return. To those who oppress others, Jesus comes as judge. To those who are oppressed, James offers hope that, when Jesus returns, justice will be served. The warning and encouragement are as relevant today as when James wrote. We know which message is applicable to us. If it is the warning, then we need to heed it; if it is the encouragement, then take heart: Jesus is coming back! Will we be ready?
Apply
‘“… I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.’3 Spend time searching your hearts so that you will be ready for his return.
Closing prayer
Father, forgive my frustration and impatience when I forget to trust in your timing, when I fail to remember that your plans are never thwarted. Thank you that the final victory has always been yours. Maranatha!
Last Updated on April 13, 2024 by kingstar
