James 5:7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.
James 5:8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.
James 5:9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.
Patience. It is a primary characteristic of the believer.
There are two primary words used in the New Testament to describe patience. Considering the Bible has provided a number of short studies on the topic of patience for those who may be interested. Find listing of studies below.
For our passage this morning, in the fifth chapter of James, the author resorts to using the Greek term μακροθυμέω, transliterated as makrothyméō. The term speaks of a long temper, (makros = long, and thumos = temper), and speaks of patient endurance.
James is exhorting the borthers to be patient, to wait with expectation. As a matter of fact, James introduces a related concept when he speaks of the farmer “waits” for the precious fruit. This waiting is not the simple idea of letting time pass without any internal desires being associated with it. It is not the type of waiting I do as grass grows, or as paint dries. That type of waiting is far removed from James intent here. The waiting of the farmer has expectation associated with it, a certain internal connection with the outcome. The farmer, due to his previous experience as a farmer is waiting, but with an expectation of a good harvest, a harvest of precious fruit.
The simile for believers, in James message is the coming of the Lord. It is likened to precious fruit. A good expectation. A wonderful expectation.
Then he drops the bomb – Don’t grumble. Don’t grumble against your brothers!
Now the expectation is of judgement. Behold the Judge is standing at the door!
Wow.
Talk about a sudden shift in images. Precious Fruit – anticipation, expectation, a sense of longing for. The very next verse James brings the picture of a Judge at the door.
Now earlier on, we have looked at the topic of judgement in this blog and considered the various meanings of the English term “judge”, which ranges from the discernment of right from wrong all the way to the idea of condemnation.
Our word here, both the action of being judged and the person who is the Judge, is related to the Greek word κρίνω krínō. It alone has a range of meanings, but according to those much (much) more able in understanding the languages, this verse carries with it the intent of condemning, and decreeing or inflicting a penalty. It is not merely the discernment of good from bad, or truth from a lie, and therefore to move on. There is action to be performed on that which is judged!
It is the same term translated as condemned in John 3:18
John 3:18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
So let’s review. Two ways for a Christian to live.
- Patience – Anticipation – Precious Fruit
- Grumbling – Judge at the door – Judged
I could take a few minutes and venture into a short study on grumbling and complaining, of having a grudging attitude, full of periods of groaning, but if my readers are anything like myself, I think that is unnecessary. I understand grumbling, for it is my nature!
Two ways to live the Christian life. A joyful anticipating patience. Or a grumbling, complaining wait for judgement.
What is your choice today?
Eight short studies on patience. Take your time considering.
- Patience – A Component of Hope
- Patience – Associated with Suffering
- Patience – Brings Experience
- Patience – Brings Two Fruits
- Patience – A Goal in the Christian Life
- Patience – Required to Inherit the Promises
- Patience – Christian Service Demands it
- Patience – Mimics God’s Character
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