Advent 3 – December 15, 2019 – James 5:7-11
Introduction: Grace be to you and peace, from God our Father, and from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Our text is the Epistle Lesson just read, from James 5. We begin with prayer.
Dear fellow disciples of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ:
- The second coming of Christ must have been a matter of great importance to the first believers, the early church. In our text, these dear Christians had to be admonished to be patient, waiting for the coming of the Lord.
- Given the precious promises God has provided for us in regard to the Day of the Lord and the new heavens and earth, we too should be eager for the coming of the Lord! But alas, perhaps we do not need to be admonished to be patient but rather to look away from our “earthly affairs” and think more about the coming Kingdom of God!
- Isaiah talks about it in the Old Testament lesson! Everything will be made new and beautiful and clean! He speaks of a highway in this new kingdom, “THE WAY OF HOLINESS.” That is what James is encouraging us to be on as well, as we live our lives in this world! It is onerous and difficult to be on this road in this fallen world, and so:
I. We Must Wait Patiently For The Coming Of The Lord – As We Travel On The Way Of Holiness
A. We Should Wait Patiently For God’s Blessings In This Life
Text: “See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.”
B. We Should Also Wait Patiently For All Spiritual Blessings
Text: “You also, be patient. Establish you hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”
C. We Wait Eagerly For His Return
Text: “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord.”
D. We Follow The Example Of Job And the Prophets In This Matter
Text: “As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the Name of the Lord. . . . You have heard of the steadfastness of Job.”
Statement: Waiting patiently is difficult for most of us. As children it was sometimes almost impossible. Are we there yet? Is it Christmas yet? Even as adults there are things that we anticipate doing or getting that test our patience! But if there is anything that we should be eagerly looking forward to it is the end of this age and the coming kingdom of God! Why is this not much of an issue for most of us? We are fairly comfortable here in this world – we have success, things, privileges, prerogatives, and pleasures. Our minds are far too centered in the earthly gifts of God.
Application: This skews our spiritual life, and our relationship with God. It is also a gross temptation to idolatry – to love, enjoy, and regard our earthly blessings as more important than God. Soon enough we find reasons and excuses to hold on to our offerings rather than giving them – and there are hundreds of reasons that we can think up for doing this. Yes, we withhold gifts of thanks and praise to God that come from Him, as if they belong to us not Him. This is treacherous!
Now it is not that God does not want us to enjoy our earthly blessings, gifts which He Himself has provided for us. But we are to enjoy them after we have done our duties of love – providing for the work of His kingdom and for charitable kindness to those in need. It is somewhat obvious that we are not doing this – as our offering records bear witness. Given the abundance God has blessed us with, we should have an annual abundance to give away to others as a congregation, as we have often had in the past!
Transition: So this is a matter that we should be concerned about – if we are to be walking in “THE WAY OF HOLINESS”! But we must also take care in how we “feel” about all of this, for:
II. There Is To Be No Grumbling Or Judging One Another In The Way Of Holiness
Text: “Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged.”
A. God Will Judge, Especially A Lack Of Charity
Text: “Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door.”
B. God Will Vindicate; We Are To Do No Vengeance
OT Lesson: “Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, ‘Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”
C. So Remember – Always God’s Primary Purpose Is Compassion And Mercy
Text: “Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. . . . You have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.”
Statement: This too is part of the walking in “THE WAY OF HOLINESS.” It is knowing God’s gracious mercy and forgiveness, His compassion and steadfast love for us. Those who know the love of God are committed and oriented to loving others as He has loved us.
Application: I knew a young man once who put off invitations to come to church and learn about God’s love. He always just laughed and said, “I’ll do that when I’m older and have children.” He died at age 20 in a car wreck in Boulder canyon.
You might say, “Well, I’ll take all of this more seriously when I get older and have taken care of my earthly obligations, and accumulated my earthly wealth.” I can assure you, I have met many older people who in retirement have concluded that they only have a little time left, and not that much to give away. It is even more difficult to begin walking in “THE WAY OF HOLINESS” at a later age! Luther once stated: “The greatest temptation of a young man is sexual sin. The greatest temptation of a middle aged man is the desire to get rich. The greatest temptation of an old man is miserliness.” His wisdom is deep and correct!
Conclusion: First, we need to get our priorities adjusted. Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these other things [earthly needs] shall be added to you.” [Matt. 6:33] He is urging us to get on “THE WAY OF HOLINESS.”
Second, our focus must be on His kingdom, His return in glory, and not on “these other things.” Our offerings preserve us from idolatry, and from deserting God and “THE WAY OF HOLINESS.”
Third, as we focus on God’s compassion and mercy, His goodness and holiness, we will understand that NOW is the time for us to join His very “purpose,” and to keep our focus on compassion and mercy toward others! In this way we will be richly blessed, storing up for ourselves investments and treasure in heaven that will not pass away!
It is hard, in this life, to stay on “THE WAY OF HOLINESS.” We have God’s compassion and mercy in this matter. Let us remain in it nonetheless! God grant it to us all. Amen.
Votum: And the peace of God, which surpasses all human understanding, shall keep you hearts and minds in the true faith, which is in Christ Jesus, even unto life everlasting, Amen.