What I once wrote in On Waiting Well, I feel now more than ever: “To follow Christ means we yearn at all times in all ways for His return.” The champions of faith in Hebrews 11 “waited in faith, hope, and expectancy, sure of God’s faithful love and of the superior city God has prepared [Heb. 11:16]. They are models for us on our own journeys. When Christ returns, they and we will finally be home.”
Waiting for Christ’s return can be compared to farming, according to today’s passage. As we have seen in this study, the growth of the kingdom of God is like a crop growing toward harvest. It might seem slow, the progress almost imperceptible. But it’s definitely happening and is under God’s sovereign timing and control.
One lesson for us from this is patience (vv. 7–8). We can be eager and patient at the same time. Just as a farmer waits patiently for the rains to come and crops to ripen, so we should be waiting patiently for our Lord’s return. It is “near” or imminent, meaning that it could happen at any time. Patience here includes standing firm or holding on to faith, especially in the face of suffering and persecution (v. 10). Another lesson for us is not grumbling against one another (v. 9). In other words, while we’re waiting, we should live in brotherly love. This honors Christ and exhibits the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22–23).
James draws our attention to two examples to help us obey these two lessons (vv. 10–11). First, the prophets were examples of faithfulness despite suffering. They patiently continued speaking God’s words despite their mostly hardhearted audiences. Second, Job also persevered in faith through suffering. Both Job and the prophets trusted that “The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”
Go Deeper
What are you currently waiting for? How does today’s passage shape this season for you?
Pray with Us
When we focus on Your compassion and mercy, it can change how we wait, God. May we be faithful to follow You, even when it is hard. Help us wait in patience and keep Your commands.
You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.James 5:8
