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“Three Examples of Patience”
Three Examples of Patience (Jam. 5:7-11)
Wade Webster
Most of us need patience (Heb. 10:36; cf. 6:12; Lk. 21:19). James’ brethren needed it also. He addressed it in the opening verses of the book and brought it up again in the closing verses (Jam. 1:2-4). He began the book talking about patience with things and ended the book talking about patience with people. We read, “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful” (Jam. 5:7-11). Clearly, James believed that his brethren needed patience to finish the race or to make it to the Lord’s coming. To encourage them, James gave three examples. One example was taken from everyday life (farming) and the other two examples were taken from Old Testament history (the prophets and Job).
The Sower
The first example of patience that James gave was that of the farmer or the sower. The farmer sows his seed and waits patiently for the precious fruit. He waits for the early rain to help the seed to come up and for the latter rain to help the fruit to develop. The farmer trusts God to give him what he needs for a harvest. In like manner, James wanted his brethren to wait patiently for the coming of the Lord. Just as the Lord promised to give seed time and harvest, He had promised to come again (Gen. 8:22; John 14:1-3). James’ brethren just needed to trust God and to wait patiently. Their hearts needed to be established or rooted and grounded until the coming of the Lord.
The Seers
The second example of patience that James gave was that of the prophets or seers who spoke in the name of the Lord. The prophets paid dearly for delivering God’s word. Their suffering is well documented in Scripture. The prophets took their persecution patiently knowing that the Lord would keep His promises. In like manner, James wanted his brethren to take the persecution that they were facing patiently. James may have been referencing the Sermon on the Mount. In the sermon, Jesus declared, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:10-12).
The Sufferer
The final example of patience that James gave was that of Job. Job was well known for his patience. Although Job didn’t know why he was suffering, he took it patiently (Job 1:20-22; cf. 13:15; 19:25-26). He eventually saw the end of the Lord and enjoyed God’s compassion and mercy. In like manner, James wanted his brethren to patiently wait till the end. They too would enjoy the goodness of the Lord if they didn’t give up . Paul wrote, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:7-9).
James’ brethren needed patience to hold on until the coming of the Lord. The three examples that James gave showed them that it could be done (Rom. 15:4).
