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. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! James 5:7-9
“Endurance, patience and hope are three important themes in this letter. They blend well with the central theme of putting the word into practice. Faith should express itself in concrete action. Society judges Christians not on the faith they profess but on the way they live. For his part, the Lord, who is coming back, will judge us on the works that result from our faith in Jesus Christ. We are not saved by these works, but we will be held accountable for them.
Putting the word into practice requires patience and endurance because we will face many temptations, tests, obstacles and challenges. We must imitate farmers. After having worked hard to get the crop into the soil, they wait patiently for the harvest, which will come at the right time, neither too early nor too late. Just as the farmer waits for the day of harvest or of reward, so we who serve the Lord must wait patiently for his return. Patience will help us to avoid both the feverish speculation about the date of his return that characterizes some groups and the lack of concern shown by those with divided hearts who say that the Lord will never return.”
Solomon Andria (Madagascar) in “James” in Africa Bible Commentary, Tokunboh Adeyemo, General Editor (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006).
This post seems as a fitting way to end my exploration through James from an African perspective. Also, I have safely arrived at home, so I will seek the Lord as to what to study next.
We could sum up our look at James by saying that our faith must produce concrete action and we must exhibit patience. I actually said this to the workers I was mentoring over the last two weeks.
I told them you need infinite patience because the more seeds you plant in hearts the more patience you need.
We must not miss the implications and importance of concrete action for our witness. The world is watching. Our lives must demonstrate works that back the faith we profess.
God will serve as the ultimate judge. I pray this exploration has motivated you to action.