Be An Example
We have been looking at James 5:7-11
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. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. 10 As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
And now we are up to “As an example of suffering and patience”
Notice that James doesn’t say as an example of all good things….
I have done quite a few weddings. The more I do the more I am certain that the couple only hears half the vows…. for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.
They hear better, richer, health…
Anyone whose marriage has made it into the later years knows that real love is shown and grown in the worse, poorer, sickness part. We celebrate a relationship that survives these things.
In the same way Christianity is not about your best life now, or the idea that becoming a Christian will make life easier. It will make living life in a sin cursed world more understandable. It will make coping with the suffering easier. It will give us hope and joy in the midst or the darkest moments, but it will not remove suffering or the need for patience.
And the people around us are watching.
There is an old theological parable I was told by one of my professors. When you bump a bucket you get to see what is inside it. You are a bucket. When life bumps you, almost knocks you over, you are going to spill out what is inside of you. If that is Christ, you will be Christlike. If it is a thing of the world, you will be worldly.
So what example do you set? What vow have you made? What are you going to spill today?
Where is your hope?
Mine is in Christ Jesus and I will find him at Church this Sunday.
I pray I will find you there to.
- Pastor Dan