Dear Diary,

#Miscellaneous_Exhortations_for_christian_Living, James 5:7-20

#PatientEndurance #Confession_and_Prayer-of_Faith #No_Swearing_Frivolously_and_Falsely #Bring_Back_theWanderer

James gives believers some commendable exhortations: The first exhortation is on Patience, v. 7-11; the second exhortation concerns oaths, v. 12; the third and fourth exhortation concerns Prayer and the wanderer, v. 13-18 and v. 19-20 respectively.
The first exhortation concerns patient endurance, v. 7-11. James brought the issue of the ultimate judgment in regards to the wicked rich and their destiny in v. 1. Now he calls the oppressed Christians to patiently endure until the Lord’s coming. He illustrates patience by building around three illustrations namely the farmer, the prophets and job. The farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop; he patiently waits for the autumn and spring rains, v.7. “You too, be patient and stand firm because the Lord’s coming is near. Do not grumble against each other,” v. 8-9. James reminds us that the prophets of the Old Testament endured hardship, yet practiced patient endurance. We are reminded of Job as an example of patient endurance, v. 10-11.

The second exhortation is on taking oaths, v. 12. What kinds of oaths or swearing is James talking about here? Witnesses in court of law and elected officials take an oath of office, are they violating Scripture? I see them place their hand on a Bible and take the oath of office. What really is the purpose of taking oaths? The Bible teaches that there are certain occasions requiring taking an oath but forbids both frivolous and false oaths. In Matthew 23:16-22, Jesus confronts the Jews who said that if you swore using God’s name in your oath, you had to keep your word, but if you swore by some lesser thing-temple, altar, Jerusalem among other lesser things, you were not bound. The need to swear or make oaths, beyond a simple and clear yes or no betrays the weakness of your word. Swearing demonstrates that there is not enough weight in your own character to confirm your words. As a believer in Christ Jesus your word ought to be your bond. Let your yes be yes and no be no! Purpose to speak truthfully, with integrity failure to which you will be condemned.

The third exhortation concerns prayer, v.13-18. In all circumstance, we are called to a life of prayer, v. 13-16. The effectiveness of sincere prayer is illustrated in v.17-18. So, what are some specific circumstances that call for prayer? When in trouble as well as when in merry spirit, v.13; when sick, v. 14. Note that anointing with oil is secondary. The primary action here is prayer! A paramount assurance is given, that confession of sin and prayer offered in faith effects healing and forgiveness, i.e. if the sickness was occasioned by sin, v. 15-16.. V.17-18, offers illustrative proof  that a righteous (wo)/man’s prayer is powerful and effective. Elijah was by nature a human being but he prayed that it would not rain and it didn’t rain in the land for three and a half. Again he prayed and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops, v. 17-18; 1 Kings 17:1; 18:42-45. The answer to prayer of faith is within the reach of the believer.

The fourth exhortation concerns the wanderer, v. 19-20. It is possible that a believer can wander from the saving truth of the gospel. Fellow believers are o make intentional effort to bring the wanderer back to the fold. Such an accomplishment is infinitely worthwhile-the wanderer is saved from eternal death and a multitude of sin is covered.

Dear friends, am hopeful you journeyed with me through this life-changing gospel according to James. Having looked at the source and consequence of trials and temptations, the problem of faith without action, the problem of the tongue, things that wrack relationships and woes of wealth without God it is important to see ourselves in the mirror of God’s word and apply it in the above areas of our lives. Learn patient endurance, let your word be your bond, i.e. speak with integrity, devote yourself to seek the Lord in all circumstances and make every effort to bring back the wanderer back to God.

Yours faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae