November 30, 2022
7 Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. 8 You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.
- James 5.7-8 -
- James 5.7-8 -
Over the last few days our readings have focused on the surprise and the suddenness of Jesus' arrival in the second advent. But today, our reading deals with those moments when it feels like God is too slow and has waited too long.
At times, it can feel like Christ is running late for his arrival. We see the signs of the times, we see the suffering in the world, we've lived through the "wars and rumors of wars," and it's easy to wonder, "Where is God in all of this?" or "When will God come and fix this?"
In reality, it is because of his great love and mercy that he has not yet returned. He provides ample time and opportunity for the lost to be found and for the wicked to repent. Our God is not easily angered. Instead, he is longsuffering in patience and inexhaustible in mercy.
As the church, we must recognize an important reality. We are not called to waste what time we have. Part of the reason he has not yet returned is because he is giving the church the chance to fulfill the Great Commission and take the gospel to the ends of the earth and to every living soul. While we wait patiently for the Lord to return, we must busy ourselves with the Lord's work.
At times, it can feel like Christ is running late for his arrival. We see the signs of the times, we see the suffering in the world, we've lived through the "wars and rumors of wars," and it's easy to wonder, "Where is God in all of this?" or "When will God come and fix this?"
In reality, it is because of his great love and mercy that he has not yet returned. He provides ample time and opportunity for the lost to be found and for the wicked to repent. Our God is not easily angered. Instead, he is longsuffering in patience and inexhaustible in mercy.
As the church, we must recognize an important reality. We are not called to waste what time we have. Part of the reason he has not yet returned is because he is giving the church the chance to fulfill the Great Commission and take the gospel to the ends of the earth and to every living soul. While we wait patiently for the Lord to return, we must busy ourselves with the Lord's work.
Posted in Advent
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