James 5 reminds me of getting in trouble as a child. That usually followed a loud crash and Mom yelling my full name. It also meant looking for someone else to blame. Today’s lesson is about dealing with the damage. The last chapter of James offers a perspective that we miss because we believe things will always remain as they are right now. That is never the case; change is inevitable. First, James warns “rich people” to “weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you.” James is addressing the corrupt. While it is politically easy to blame “the rich” for inequity, many wealthy people simply work hard and save. He is referring to the “elite” who amass fortunes by exploiting others. He describes the corrosion of their soul. You have “hoarded wealth”. The “wages you failed to pay… are crying out against you.” Today, you live “in luxury and self-indulgence.” But, James says, you have only “fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.” They have become calloused with the love of money and “condemned and murdered the innocent.” Never confuse God’s mercy with His approval. His mercy is long-suffering because some of us take so long to admit we need Him!
Next, James addresses the church: “Be patient… until the Lord’s coming.” There are so many lessons in having a garden. Everything has a season. James explains: “the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop.” He patiently waits “for the autumn and spring rains.” Seeds have to germinate and fruits have to ripen. The harvest will not start until the crop is ripe. Likewise, those who wait on the Lord’s return must “be patient and stand firm”, holding onto the promise that “the Lord’s coming is near.” I believe we are called to be an example; to continue caring and tending even in the storms. We often compare our crop to others. James cautions, “Don’t grumble against one another… or you will be judged.” Care for your own garden every day, knowing the harvest will come at the exact right time.
James closes with a look back at examples from the prophets. Today we expect immediate answers, solutions and cures. “You have heard of Job’s perseverance.” Remember, Job lost his health, his wealth, his family and his reputation. How long did Job suffer? Like everyone in pain, it felt like an eternity. Job 42 explains how James can exclaim: “The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” Job was not ready to receive God’s mercy until he let go of his bitterness. James urges us to behave in such a way that when we say “’Yes’ or ‘No’” our word is trusted. Perhaps part of that means we allow the walls to come down. Often, we suffer in silence to not burden others. Jesus said to let your light shine before others. That means live life as a willing witness: “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.” In joy and in sorrow, we are examples to all those without hope. “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray.” There is no virtue in hiding our pain. James makes a statement that many of us struggle with today: “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” Public confession must always be done with discretion. God alone forgives because God alone paid the price to redeem us. Our public confession is best left for public sin, so others may pray and support our repentance. James adds: “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” It is not the words that are effective, but the unity we have in the will of God. The book closes with: “Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death.” God’s Word is given to us as a measuring stick. It reveals how far we are from God’s perfection. Friend, are you in trouble? God is gently calling you by name to be restored.