The Way - Day 043 (James 5)

Pastor Tom's Journal on Today's Reading:
James 5:1-6
James had just addressed those who had been leaving God out of their daily lives (4:13-17). He now turned his attention to the rich. The Bible does not condemn the rich for having money; however, they are rebuked if they are obsessed with money and pursue it above all else. These verses seem to indicate that James was specifically targeting the rich who were professing faith in Christ, but ultimately worshipped their money and possessions. James writes,
"You have heaped up treasure in the last days. Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out...you have lived on the earth in pleasure and luxury...you have murdered the just... (5:3-6)."

There is an evolution of the desolation of riches, which James makes very apparent. Riches can bring misery (5:1) and are subject to loss (5:2-3). Riches can cause a person to become stingy (5:3-4) and pamper themselves with a life of luxury (5:5), while their employees are being deprived of their fair wages. Lastly, James mentions that the pursuit of riches has caused the rich to take whatever measures necessary to sustain their lifestyle (5:6).

So, what warning is James giving to those who have misused their riches? God hears the cry of the oppressed, which implies that God will eventually bring judgement upon those who mishandle their riches (5:4b). There is a two-fold application. First, if you are rich, remember that God has entrusted those riches to you and you must not misuse them. Secondly, if you are working for someone who is rich, but they are withholding what you deserve, allow the Lord to handle the wrongdoing. May all of us learn to handle our money with care and treat those who may be under our care with fairness and respect.

James 5:7-12
In his letter to the persecuted Christians who were scattered throughout the region, James returns to the familiar theme of patience (James 1:2-4). His readers had been experiencing tremendous amounts of stress. They probably feared for their personal safety, and the stress of this was even causing them to become irritated with each other. Instead of giving into the demands of this pressure, James wrote that they should "be patient," as well as "establish [their] hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand" (5:8). It is significant to note that the focus of a person experiencing trials should be upon the future return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His kingdom. James is implying that the best is yet to come, so they were to patiently endure the hardships of the present.

Stress also has a way of breaking down relationships between individuals, so he wrote, "do not grumble against one another" (5:9). Many times, people take their stressful circumstances out on each other, even those who are close friends and family. James reminded his readers about the Old Testament prophets and Job, who were patient during suffering (5:10-11). They could have turned their stress into anger against God and others, but they chose to remember "that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful" (5:11b). God is good and gracious, so times of trial should be viewed with that perspective in mind. He only allows trials to arise in our lives to bring maturity to our faith.

James gives a stern warning to those experiencing trials, "do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your 'yes' be 'yes,' and your 'no,' 'no,' lest you fall into judgment" (5:12). Some people tend to make quick promises to God during times of trial, but James cautions them in this matter. He reminds them that they are obligated to fulfill whatever they promise to God. Trials are not easy to endure, but God will reward endurance. You can look forward to eternal life, when God will put all things back together and restore peace and righteousness.

James 5:13-20
It is fitting for James to conclude his letter with the subject of prayer. After all, his readers were experiencing persecution for their faith, which could potentially lead them to give up hope; however, James' words had reminded them to keep focused on God's ways and to live an example of faith to those in their community. It would have been easy to quit and walk away from faith in Jesus Christ, but James challenged them to continue on because God would provide strength for the journey.

James lovingly asks, "Is anyone among you suffering?" He knew the answer to this question, so he proceeded to give them what they needed to do in response to their hardship: "Let him pray" (5:13). At the center of prayer is the recognition that a person needs God. Prayer is an act of humility, where a person acknowledges complete dependence on God. James poses another question, "Is anyone among you sick?" This question is not regarding a physical infirmity, but a weakening under the pressure of persecution and trials. It could be read, "Is anyone tired, worn out, or ready to quit?" Those who answer "yes" should "call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him...and the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up" (5:14-15).

Many were weakening under the pressure of persecution, but James commanded them to call for the leaders of the church to pray, support, and encourage them through prayer. When this is done, James promised that God would deliver them from their discouragement. If the person asking for prayer had known sin in their life, they should confess it first, so the answer would not be hindered (5:15b). He then pointed to the example of Elijah, the Old Testament prophet, who "prayed earnestly" (5:17). James reminded his readers that God answers prayer, especially those which are offered up fervently and by a righteous person (5:16). Regardless of what we are experiencing in our lives, God will listen to those who faithfully pray from a pure heart and extend help to those in need.

James closes out his writing with a few simple words regarding those who may have abandoned their faith during this time of trial –

"if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins" (5:19-20).

May we learn to stay focused when trials come our way and endeavor to live a life of faithfulness to God through the good times and the bad times.

Dear God, I pray that You would provide strength during times of trial and keep me focused on Your ability to give help and comfort in time of need.