Read James 5:7-12
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned. (James 5:7-12)
James takes the example of the prophets and of Job as those who were patient and persevered under suffering. We would do well to consider the thousands of Christians who are being persecuted throughout the world, especially in Africa and Asia. The list of sufferings which they may be having to endure is ever increasing. For some it is insults, threats, false accusations or destruction of property. For others it may be demotion, job loss, ostracism by family and friends or personal injury. Added to the list is forced marriage, kidnapping, imprisonment and torture. When ordered to deny Christ under threat of death, it is not easy to “let your ‘Yes’ be yes and your ‘No’ no.” (5:12a). The list ends with death (resulting in bereavement and probable poverty for the family).
Often those who are persecuted are in such a dangerous situation that they have to leave their country and join the increasing number of refugees. Thus they are following the example of Joseph, Mary and Baby Jesus who fled to Egypt – Matthew 2:13-15.
Are we both individually and in our local churches praying for persecuted Christians by name and giving towards their support? Two relevant websites are given below.
Jesus tells us, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44). These persecutors may be governments, government servants, religious leaders, employers, workmates, friends, neighbours or even family members. We must ask God earnestly to meet them as He met Saul on the road to Damascus (see Acts 9:1-19) or to speak to them through dreams, signs and wonders, audio/visuals or through human messengers. Let us also advocate for the repealing of all laws which prohibit freedom of religion.
May all those who suffer “be patient until the Lord’s coming” (v. 7a) and may they experience that “the Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” (v. 11b).
The Persecuted Church
www.opendoors.org, www.barnabasfund.org
May we be made more aware of and become more involved
with those who are suffering for the name of Jesus Christ.
This meditation is extracted from “Transformation from Belief to Behaviour: 39 Lenten Meditations on the Letter of James” by Peter Young and used with permission by the author. It may be used solely for personal, noncommercial, and informational purposes. Republication or redistribution of this devotional is prohibited.
The Micah Mandate is a Christian-based public interest advocacy ministry that seeks a transformation of our nation through justice, mercy and humility.
