James 5
Warning to Rich Oppressors
1Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. 2Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3Your 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. 4Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. 5You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.[a] 6You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.
Patience in Suffering
7Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. 8You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. 9Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
10Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11As you know, we consider 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.
12Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned.
The Prayer of Faith 13Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
17Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. 19My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, 20remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
Footnotes:
a. James 5:5 Or yourselves as in a day of feasting
2 comments:
Jam 5
Morning guys,
Hope everyone is doing well.
9... The Judge is standing at the door!
Wow, use your imagination and picture our mighty God standing at the door. Pretty wild. I think that is what is so hard to do for me. Remember not to get caught up so much in the rat race that I forget who is at the door.
16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
I like how this verse describes our unforgiven sins as an illness we need healing from. So true right? and.... we need to confess and pray for each others sins. Amazing.
Father, continue to grow our relationships with each other. Break down any barriers that would prevent us from being open with each other and prevent us from the healing You offer. Bless our days and watch over each of us and our families.
In Christ,
cas
Jam 5
19My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, 20remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
I still love this charge, it always helps me keep things in perspective. It is easy to get frustrated with someones actions and want to just brush off your hands, but its vital that we instead correct and encourage. That almost seems so much more Christ-like to do than ignore them.
Father, help us to be supportive and corrective when we need to be, guide us and give us the strength to accomplish those tasks you have set before us. You are an amazing Father, a merciful God, and a loving God. Guide us to embody those same traits. In Jesus name, Amen
crb
Post a Comment