Suffering: (5:7-11):
James gives 3-examples of steadfastness (patience) for believers who are suffering:
- From the soil: (5:7): Since the believers are suffering at the hands of the wicked rich, they are to look forward patiently to the Lord’s return. In Israel country, autumn rain comes in October and November soon after the grain is sown, and the spring rain comes in March and April just prior to harvest (Deu.11:14; Jer.5:24); Hos.6:3).
- From the scriptures: (10-11): The prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord, namely the Old Testament prophets Isaiah and Elijah suffered at the hands of the wealthy and powerful kings of Ahab and Manasseh. Now kings are forgotten or reviled, while prophets Elijah and Isaiah are honoured on earth and much more in heaven (Mt. 5:11–12).Although Job was not a prophet, but was a righteous man. He had shown tremendous perseverance. It was not simply patience (Job. 3; 12:1-3; 16:1-3; 21:4). Job stands as one of the greatest examples from the scripture to learn from. This is the only mention of Job in New Testament although a similar quotation from Job was given (1cor.3:19).
- From the second coming of the Lord: (5:8-9): “We too must be patient and take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.” Christian waiting is not waiting for something, but for someone. Twice James mentions the Lord’s coming and once says the Judge is standing at the door.The New Testament frequently refers to Christ’s return as ‘near’ (Rom.13:12; Heb. 10:25; 1 Pet. 4:7). While most of the writers probably expected this to happen within their lifetime, for no-one knows when it will be(Mk. 13:32).
Swearing: (5:12):
James words are very close to Christ’s (Matt.5:33-37). James is condemning the flippant use of God’s name or sacred object like heaven or earth. Rather our words should be right ‘yes to yes and no to no.’
Prayer has amazing power in individual’s lives: (5:13-16):
James was a great prayerful man. Perhaps he used to spend hours and hours on his knees and pray to God for others. He gives some beautiful points and illustrations. They are:
- Pray to God in times of trouble: The church had both Jews and Gentiles. the local Jews were persecuting them the church. Prayer can remove our afflictions and at the same prayer would give us the grace to face and overcome the challenges.
- Pray to God when we are happy: When we are happy, sing to the Lord with songs of praise. After night the day will come. In the same way God would balance our lives and certainly gives us the joy and happiness.
- Pray to God in sickness: If someone is sick, call the elders of the Church and make a corporate prayer. Pray over him, anoint the sick with oil. Perhaps call for a fasting prayer or all over night prayer. The prayer offered in faith by will heal the sick person. Sometimes sin causes sickness. Even in the life of David, when he was still disobedient to God after committing adultery with Bathsheba, God’s hand was heavy upon him. “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long” (Ps.32:3). But when acknowledged his sin, he had a great healing in his body.