Begin with two minutes of silence and stillness before God.
James starts this chapter by speaking out against the “Misuse of Riches”. Now, it is quite easy for most of us to check out here, as we do not see ourselves as “Rich”. What a subjective term, rich. The average annual income in the US is about $76,000. The average annual income in Sudan is $760. What one country considers average would be considered wealthy in another. I figured out a long time ago how relative the term 'rich' is. Someone always has more. But wealth is not the issue here. Many of God’s chosen in the Bible were extremely wealthy. Many Christians today are extremely wealthy. Not the issue. The warning here is twofold. One, how did you earn this wealth? On the backs of others? Through shady dealings? Two, what did you do with it? Expend on pleasure? Use it all for your enjoyment? The Message version says, “You thought you were piling up wealth. What you’ve piled up is judgment”. Not exactly the epitaph I am shooting for.
James then touches on a subject that we have all struggled with. “God, when are you going to do something about this lowlife that did this to me?” “God, when are you going to bankrupt that guy that pulled a fast one?” Create your own - “God, when?” We all have them. In 2 verses 8-9, James uses the term 'patient' three times. And not just be patient because that alone usually serves us well, but be patient, for the Lord is coming. Isaiah 41:10-11 reminds us, “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely; I will help you, surely; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Behold, all those who are angered at you will be shamed and dishonored; Those who contend with you will be as nothing and will perish.” Strong words from a Strong God. Be patient and trust that His judgment will come. His ways are not our ways. He is perfect; we are not.
James ends this letter with a very encouraging thought regarding our prayer life. He reminds us that even though Elijah was just a natural man like us, his prayers were unbelievably powerful. “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much”. He kept it from raining for 3 ½ years. (I thought I saw him around town this summer.) I don’t know about you, but the list of my friends with serious health issues grows each week. When I pray for them each morning, I really want to intercede for them as I ask God to heal them. I know He can, and I want to make sure I am doing all I can, as their friend, to ask. How cool would it be to find out in Heaven one day that your prayer caused a friend to be healed? Now that would look good for an epitaph.
Take two minutes to reflect in silence.