With this verse the scene changes. James is no longer rebuking erring Christians, nor lashing wicked rich. He now starts giving words of encouragement to suffering saints. He encourages them to patience until the coming of the Lord. They were suffering much, but right would prevail at the return of Christ.

"Be patient therefore ..." James returns here to the subject with which he started. In 1: 3 we read, "Knowing this that the trying of your faith worketh patience." In verses 1-6 of our chapter, he records indirectly the severe trials of many of these early Christians. It is under these severe trials that they are to be patient. The word "therefore" brings us back to these past verses.

"... long patience ..." The word "patient" is translated by some as "long patient." It is a word very similar to one in Galatians 5:22 translated "long suffering." They were to be long patient unto the coming of the Lord. I wonder whether even James realized how long that would be. It seems as if the Lord wanted all Christians of all ages to be expecting the soon coming of Christ. We will need to have as long patience waiting for the Lord as they. He is coming soon.

Patience in verses 7-11: We have the word "patience" mentioned six times in the five verses, 7- 11. He gives three examples of patience: first, the patience of the farmer waiting for his crop from plowing time until harvest; second, the patience of the prophets, and the third, the patience of Job. As a special inducement to patience, he holds up the expectation of the Lord's coming.

Patience needed now: Present-day Christians do not have the difficulties and trials of these early saints, but still there is much need of patience. We need patience when we are sick, or tried in various other ways. We need to be patient with our families, our friends, and those in our assembly. We must be patient with those to whom we bring the Gospel. If we labor in the Gospel, we need patience to wait for the fruit. Sometimes we are greatly provoked and perplexed. It is not right to take things in our own hands, but we must wait patiently for the Lord to work them out. Perhaps we are not righteously treated in connection with our employment. Do we need the help of labor unions or lawyers to fight for our cause? James says "no". Leave it all in the hands of the Lord. If we do not receive our rightful dues now, we surely will when the Lord comes. "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in the way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass" (Ps. 37:7).

"... brethren ..." Again in our verse, we have that lovely expression, "brethren." James uses it often, but not in the first six verses of our chapter. He does not call those wicked rich his brethren, but as soon as he turns to the poor, who were suffering at their hands, he uses it again. From now on he uses it frequently.

"... unto the coming of the Lord ..." Most people think of the coming of the Lord as a time of judgment, and it truly will be for us all when He comes again. Verse 9 also warns that the Christian who has not lived for the Lord as he should will not find it so pleasant. However, in our verse 7 and also 8, he makes the thought of the Lord's coming a source of consolation. Many other Scriptures also speak of it as a time to which the Christians should look forward. In Luke 21:27, 28, the Lord Jesus says, "And then shall they see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."

He is coming: The New Testament abounds with references to the coming again of our Lord Jesus. He was here once, men crucified and buried Him, but He arose from the dead, and ascended up on high. He is there now, and is coming again. Acts 1:10, 11 is conclusive proof of this; "And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." The Hebrew Bible prophets also wrote of this second coming of Christ. For instance, in Zechariah 14:4-6 we read that when He does come back, He will descend as He ascended.

One aspect of His coming: Most often when we read of the coming of the Lord, it is in relation to His coming in glory and power. This is always the case in the Hebrew Bible, and often in the New Testament. However, the Lord is not coming directly to the earth, but to the air. "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (1 Thess. 4:16).

That blessed hope: The Lord's coming is called "the blessed hope", and surely it is the hope of the church. "Waiting for the blessed hope and manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" (Tit. 2:13 Young's Literal Translation). If you’re a Christian, walking with the Lord, then His coming holds no fear for you. It will be a time of great joy – when our fondest hopes will be realized. It will be the end of our trials; the time of our reward. Tyranny and oppression shall forever be put away. Righteousness shall reign when our Lord Jesus sits on the throne of His father David (Luke 1:32). Over all our trials and troubles we can write, "Unto the coming of the Lord."

"... the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit ..." James gives us the farmer as an example of patience. His is a work of faith and patience. And hard work it is, for nearly everything in connection with farming is hard work, although modern machinery has eliminated much drudgery. The farmer shows faith in that from the time he plows until fall, he fully expects a crop. It is a long time from plowing to harvest, and he must wait with patience until reaping time comes. Many things concern a farmer. Sometimes the spring is too wet, and he cannot get into the fields. Sometimes drought hits, and the crops dry up. Almost every type of crop has its pests, and these seem to be getting worse. One farmer said he had to spray his crop five times a year – formerly once was enough. He said for one certain pest he had to stay ready to spray. If he did not, they could suddenly take over his fields, and he would lose his crop.

Our lessons: From these examples of the farmer, we should learn to diligently labor for Christ in spite of difficulties and trials. This is the sowing time, but the time of harvest will come with the second coming of the Lord. If we sow for Christ, we will reap with Him. "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Gal. 6:7). "And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Gal. 6:9). As the farmer waits long for a crop, we can afford to wait longer for a crown of glory.

Present harvest: Afflictions and difficulties bring a present harvest, too. There are some lessons we can only learn in the school of suffering. The kindest Christians are often suffering ones. It is a blessing to visit the Lord's choice afflicted ones.

"... precious fruit ..." Peter speaks of precious faith in 1 Peter 1:7 and "precious blood" in 1 Peter 2:19. In 1 Peter 2:4, 6, 7 Christ is called precious three times. He also speaks of "precious promises" in 2 Peter 1:4. We read of "precious seed" (the Word of God) in Psalm 126:6. Here it is "precious fruit." While this applies primarily to the farmer's crop, we can safely say, when the Lord sees in us "the fruit of the Spirit" (Gal. 5:22, 23), this is to Him "precious fruit." Is our fruit sweet to His taste?

"... the early and latter rain." We often read of the early and the latter rain. "I will give ... the first rain and the latter rain" (Deut. 11:14). "That giveth rain, both the former and latter" (Jer. 5:24). The early rain came in October or November, the latter usually around April. The former was necessary for plowing and sowing, the latter, to mature the crop. During the dry season from May to September, the ground becomes dry and hard, and cannot be worked. If the early rain did not come, the ground could not be prepared. The latter rains were unpleasant, but needed for the crop. So we too, are sure to have unpleasant experiences, but they are necessary to the producing of fruit for God. Sunshine is necessary, too, but all sunshine makes a desert. If it were not for trials perhaps few would feel a need for Christ, and those who did, would have no need to rely on Him.

"... latter rain." Some have seen in the early rain, a picture of the early church, and expect in the latter rain to see another time of great revival just before the coming of the Lord. Some religions today claim their movement is the latter rain of James 5:7. They talk of a revived Pentecost, claiming the gifts of healing and speaking in tongues have been given to them in this time of the latter rain. We need not look for a second Pentecost any more than for a second Bethlehem or a second Calvary. Some things the Lord sends once, never to be repeated. Gifts claimed by some religious movements are spurious. Not that the Spirit of God could not give signs today, but since we have the Word of God we no longer have need of special signs, and the Spirit has not felt the need of bestowing them. Some claim to have these special gifts, but it is interesting that somehow they have no way of proving they have them. If there is to be a time corresponding to the latter rain, probably it will be a time of unprecedented Gospel activity, when many will be brought to a knowledge of their sins, forgiven by contacting Christ's blood, spending the remainder of their life obeying Christ.

Scripture Reading: James 5:8 (KJV)

"Be ye also patient ..." This verse is the application of verse 7. These suffering saints were to be patient, waiting for the coming of the Lord, even as the farmer is patient, waiting for the harvest. The student studies for years before commencement, and then may have to work for years before he/she receives suitable remuneration. The scientist may experiment for a long time before obtaining the desired results. The author likewise spends years in writing his book. After it is written it may take years before it is well received by the public. As Christians we, too, should be willing to wait patiently for the fruit of our labor, and relief from trials and perplexities. "It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord" (Lam. 3:26).

"... stablish your hearts ..." The word "stablish" is variously rendered "set fast" and "strengthen." "My feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked" (Ps. 73:2, 3). He goes on about those who were prospering in the world, through verse 12. Then he says in 13, 14: "Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. For all the day long I have been plagued, and chastened every morning". He finally comes to his senses. "When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end" (Ps. 73:16, 17).

All rectified when the Lord comes: Perhaps some of these early Christians were in a similar state of mind. They were undergoing great trials, were being defrauded, and mistreated, while their persecutors were lolling in wealth and luxury. Perhaps some were near the slipping point. James tells them to endure all these things for Christ's sake, and when the Lord comes your persecutors will be punished, and you will be rewarded.

The coming of the Lord: The Revised Version has "The coming of the Lord is at hand" in place of "draweth nigh." Some might say, "In what sense could His coming be at hand? Almost 2000 years have passed since James wrote, and He still has not come." In the eyes of the Lord a thousand years is but a brief time, in fact, only a single day according to 2 Peter 3:8. What is a thousand years compared to eternity?

Surely I come quickly: The Lord desires that all Christians of all ages live in anticipation of His soon return. Evidently the early Christians expected Christ to come during their lifetime. But here it is the 21st Century, and He has not come. Still, His coming is not far away. Whether we look at the world, the Jew, or the church, all seems ripe for His coming. The Jew again in Palestine, functioning as a nation is significant. "He that shall come will come, and will not tarry" (Heb. 10:37). The last promise in the Bible is, "Surely I come quickly" (Rev. 22:20).

His coming sure: The Bible is full of references to the coming of our Lord Jesus – His coming is sure! He says, "I will come again, and receive you unto myself" (John 14:3). The farmer may not have a crop, but the Lord will come, and we shall then reap our harvest.

The effect of the Lord's coming on our lives: The knowledge of the coming of the Lord should have a salutary effect on our lives. Besides making us patient, as our verse suggests, it should make us: diligent (2 Pet. 3:14), prayerful (Mark 13:33), pure (1 John 3:3), watchful (Mark 13:36), hopeful (Luke 21:28), prepared (Matt. 24:44), and comforted (1 Thess. 4:18). The second coming of the Lord is a practical teaching and should make us like Moses. We read of him, "Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt" (Heb. 11: 25, 26).

Even so, come, Lord Jesus: Does the thought of His coming make us happy? It should! If it does not, it may be we do not really believe He is coming. Maybe, we do not understand that it will be a time of great joy and blessing to the redeemed of the Lord. It may be that we do not care to have Him come, because we are not living for Him as we should. Let us examine our hearts and not be content until we can say with sincerity, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus" (Rev. 22:20).

Scripture Reading: James 5:9 (KJV)

James now turns from patience under trial, to showing patience with other Christians. In this connection he also brings in the coming of the Lord. However, now the Lord is not the judge of the unsaved, but of the saint. In verses 7, 8, His coming is brought in to encourage the Christians, but in verse 9 it is to give them a note of warning. The judge stands ready to judge the complainer.

"Grudge not one against another ..." The Revised Version has "murmur not one against another." "Grudge not" was a good translation when the King James Version was written, but the word has changed its meaning since then. It has been variously translated as "complain not" and "groan not." "Do not grumble against one another" (NKJV) is nearer the original meaning.

Grumbles: Some people, even a few Christians, are chronic grumblers. They grumble about almost everything and everybody – almost all the time.

Causes for grumbling: These early Christians had plenty to upset them, putting their nerves on edge. They were often: defrauded, accused, abused, and condemned. When one's nerves are upset, it is easy to groan and grumble. How easy it is, when all goes wrong to take it out on the wife and children, or a fellow Christian. Let us be careful not to grumble, and certainly not against those not responsible for our troubles. If the Spirit of God is ungrieved within us, He can keep us from moaning and groaning.

Grumbling at home: In some homes there is much grumbling. The husband grumbles because his wife spends too much, does not train the children properly, does not serve him enough, perhaps is not neat enough, and on and on. The children are too noisy, too destructive, or just too bad. The children grumble against each other, about the food, or even against their parents. Wives are not immune either. They sometimes grumble about having too much work, not being able to go out, or receive what they feel is right at work, etc. Often this proves disastrous to the children and the home generally. Let us try to have a well- ordered home, with mutual: respect, love, and forbearance, praying to the Lord, that we may be kind at home. One little fellow was asked for a definition of home. He said, "Home is the place where we are treated the best, but act the worst." How true this often is.

Grumbling at work: Employers and employees do a lot of grumbling, too. The employer grumbles about his help. Their work is not good, or they do not produce enough, or they want too much pay. They may also grumble about their competitors, or the ones they buy from or sell to. Some are never kind, always grumbling or growling. Then the help grumbles, too, about the wages, or working conditions. All these things make for bitterness and unhappiness. Much more is accomplished by kindness and tolerance. Let us leave grumbling alley vacant even in our business affairs.

Grumbling among Christians: James is especially speaking about grumblers among the Christians. We naturally expect more from a Christian than from others; consequently, it is harder to be patient with them. There are sure to be differences among the Lord's people. Some will be conservative, and some will be liberal. Let us not grumble against each other. Let us learn to give and to take, to bear and to forbear. Let us not be stubborn unless some fundamental truth is at stake. Brotherly love is absolutely essential to success in the things of God.

"... lest ye be condemned ..." The word "condemned" is strong, perhaps too strong. "Judged" as in the Version is better. Though "condemned" is also used in the New King James Version, with a footnote listing "judged." The Lord will require the Christian to answer before His judgment seat. When we grumble and complain about our fellow Christians, we are sitting in judgment on them, and this will certainly bring judgment on ourselves. The Lord says, "Judge not, that ye be not judged" (Matt. 7:1). We have no right to judge our fellow Christians, for we ourselves are far from what we should be. We are not wise enough to give accurate judgment, and will ourselves be judged by the rightful judge. Let us learn to leave all judgment in His worthy hands.

"... the Judge standeth before the door." Our verse pictures Christ standing at the door, waiting for the hour to strike, when He shall come and take His judgment seat. This is further evidence that the early Christians expected Him to come at any time. The time of His coming is certainly nearer than when our epistle was written. This should teach us that time is short; the tomorrow of eternity is at hand. Let us not live for today for it may be all over tomorrow. His coming will be a happy event, but in some aspects a serious one, too. We shall all stand before His judgment seat (Rom. 14:10). Will we hear His "well done," or will we suffer loss? (1 Cor. 3:15).

"... before the door." The Lord Jesus says in Revelation 3:20, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him." This is the heart's door of the sinner into which Christ is seeking entrance. The sinner must open this door and let Him in. The Lord also says, "I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved" (John 10:9). This is the door to heaven, which is Christ Himself. When the Lord rises up and comes forth to judge, this door to heaven shall be shut. "When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know ye not whence ye are" (Luke 13:25). The unsaved should not wait or they may find the door shut, and themselves outside forever. James and the door: Tradition tells us that James was thrown from the temple roof, and then clubbed to death. As they beat him to death, they cried out, "Which is the door of Jesus?" As he died, as with Stephen, no doubt, the Lord rose up to meet this brother of His, who was faithful unto death.

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