The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

James 5:7-12, “Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains.
8 You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.
10 As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
11 We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.
12 But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you may not fall under judgment.”

It is indeed a narrow path that James ourlines for believers. “Why doesn’t He come?” is the internal and sometimes external cry of the Christian. Christians worldwide see and experience the avalanche of sin in their surroundings and throughout the world. Governments either cannot or will not attempt to erase the wrong done to the people they purport to represent. In many cases, governments themselves are the problem.

Is there an answer to the morass we face? Yes, there is! The answer lies in the promised return to earth of our LORD Jesus Christ. James cautions us to be patient. His epistle allows that Christ will return, but we cannot hurry His Coming. We can, however, cease to complain against other believers. Some of us are simply impatient by nature. Nothing seems to occur when and how we think it should.

James cites for us the “suffering and patience” of “the prophets who spoke in the name of the LORD.” In fact, he cites the patience of Job, who suffered the loss of his family and his wealth. Job treasured the peace of God in his heart –exactly what we must do! Don’t “get out of joint” regarding anything. Exercise complete trust in the LORD. He IS Coming! Keep that thought and He will keep you calm.

“Be Still My Soul the Lord Is On Your Side…”

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom