James 5:7-12: Do you believe that Jesus is coming again? Do you think it will be soon? Have you become disappointed in His delaying or even begun to doubt it will happen at all?
James was writing to believers who had expected Jesus’ return to be much quicker than it was happening and because of the delay many were frustrated. They must have been turning on each other and grumbling about one another. Here is what he wrote.
James 5:8 “You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.”
James was dealing with real people who expected things to move right along and for Jesus to come on their time table. Sounds like many of us doesn’t it. When people are not looking outwardly we can tend to look inwardly and pick each other to death. We see everyone else’ faults or how we could do their job much better. We get frustrated and complain because the focus is on us. When Jesus ascended into Heaven He assured us He would return. He is coming back, but in the mean time He has given us a job of not just looking upward for His return, but looking outward at those who have not heard the message of the gospel yet. It is rare for a church that is looking outward reaching the lost to have a split from within. There is much less grumbling and complaining because the enemy is outside not within. Oh how we need to remember this and if we find ourselves grumbling and complaining shift our vision. Remember Jesus is standing at the door listening and waiting to come again when the Father gives the command, but up until He does, we are to be about His business. So stop tapping your toe with your arms crossed and open your arms to those who are lost and in need around you. May the Father find all of us busy about His mission when He comes.