Word@Work James47 - James 5:10-11
Published: Fri, 04/17/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
SUFFERING PATIENTLY
James 5:10-11 Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. (NIV)
Nobody likes suffering. Even Jesus hated the prospect of being the sin-bearer, separated from Father God (Luke 22:39-46). Yet, suffering for the sake of God, is inevitable for true Christians because we are in a spiritual battle. A Christian teenager once asked a Christian army general, "Is it difficult to be a Christian in the Army, Sir?" He replied, "It is difficult to be a Christian anywhere - if you do it properly!" The Bible records many hardships that came to God's people: it did not mean that He had stopped loving them, but that they were a part of the spiritual battle against unseen spiritually wicked forces. That is the story of Job. It is Paul's testimony too (cf 2 Cor 11:23-29).
Of course, those who do not care much for the Lord or His Word, will opt for the easy life and keep out of harm's way. They will mingle with the crowd and avoid being identified as a born-again Christian. But those who have gratefully received the mercy and grace of God, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, know that they must stand firm with Him. They know that they are ambassadors of heaven and children of the King. So when the persecution comes, they follow the example of the Old Testament prophets, and keep on persevering.
Although we now live in a globally communicating basket of nations, there is more persecution of Christians today than at any other time in history. Even once-Christian countries like Britain are rejecting expressions of Christian faith, and forsaking the Bible by which its laws were framed. But we should not be surprised. Those who have no love for Jesus will find ways to despise those who do. The recipe for endurance is not just 'duty and guts', but a total confidence in the compassion and mercy of God. If you face persecution, do not try worldly methods to wriggle out, but humbly stand with Your Lord. Trust that His power will be revealed in compassion and mercy for you - because He loves You and has died for you.
Prayer: Dear Saviour Jesus. You know what suffering and persecution is like, and yet You chose to endure to honour Father God and love me. Whenever persecution comes to me, help me to trust in Your unfailing love, and wait patiently for Your compassion and mercy. For Your Name's sake. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Nobody likes suffering. Even Jesus hated the prospect of being the sin-bearer, separated from Father God (Luke 22:39-46). Yet, suffering for the sake of God, is inevitable for true Christians because we are in a spiritual battle. A Christian teenager once asked a Christian army general, "Is it difficult to be a Christian in the Army, Sir?" He replied, "It is difficult to be a Christian anywhere - if you do it properly!" The Bible records many hardships that came to God's people: it did not mean that He had stopped loving them, but that they were a part of the spiritual battle against unseen spiritually wicked forces. That is the story of Job. It is Paul's testimony too (cf 2 Cor 11:23-29).
Of course, those who do not care much for the Lord or His Word, will opt for the easy life and keep out of harm's way. They will mingle with the crowd and avoid being identified as a born-again Christian. But those who have gratefully received the mercy and grace of God, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, know that they must stand firm with Him. They know that they are ambassadors of heaven and children of the King. So when the persecution comes, they follow the example of the Old Testament prophets, and keep on persevering.
Although we now live in a globally communicating basket of nations, there is more persecution of Christians today than at any other time in history. Even once-Christian countries like Britain are rejecting expressions of Christian faith, and forsaking the Bible by which its laws were framed. But we should not be surprised. Those who have no love for Jesus will find ways to despise those who do. The recipe for endurance is not just 'duty and guts', but a total confidence in the compassion and mercy of God. If you face persecution, do not try worldly methods to wriggle out, but humbly stand with Your Lord. Trust that His power will be revealed in compassion and mercy for you - because He loves You and has died for you.
Prayer: Dear Saviour Jesus. You know what suffering and persecution is like, and yet You chose to endure to honour Father God and love me. Whenever persecution comes to me, help me to trust in Your unfailing love, and wait patiently for Your compassion and mercy. For Your Name's sake. Amen.
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