05 20 08 JUST AROUND THE CORNER

“Brothers and sisters, be patient until the Lord comes. See how the farmer waits for the land to produce its rich crop. See how patient he is for the fall and spring rains. You too must be patient. You must stand firm. The Lord will soon come back.
Brothers and sisters, don't find fault with one another. If you do, you will be judged. And the Judge is standing at the door!
Brothers and sisters, think about the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. They are an example of how to be patient when you suffer. As you know, we think that people who don't give up are blessed. You have heard that Job was patient. And you have seen what the Lord finally did for him. The Lord is full of tender mercy and loving concern.”
(James 5:7-11 NIrV)

Probably one of the earliest New Testament books, James is leading the Jerusalem Church and here attempts to disarm some impatient Christians who are growing weary of this world. Like many Christians today, as strangers in a foreign land, they longed for the comforts of home and the fellowship of their coming King. To these suffering saints James calmly whispers “Wait.” What we long for and desire so desperately is JUST AROUND THE CORNER, and we are being asked to persevere and wait patiently in the meantime.

As a child, we grow impatient with what we long for: the long-awaited vacation, the promised refund check, the promotion, the day off. It’s human nature to want rest, comfort, enjoyment, contentment…less and less stress! Oh, but then there is this world we live in day by day that we must traverse through.

If you are familiar with the story of Job, you realize that he questioned God; he was not overjoyed concerning his situation; and he wasn’t always patient with other people. It is encouraging to me, though, that despite those things, he is an example of patience. He was stressed to say the least! What kept him focused? What kept his anger and impatience in check? What allowed him to trust God, the One who gives and takes away? I like to think that he knew what was JUST AROUND THE CORNER. He trusted God that He knew what He was doing!

The knowledge that Jesus will return some day should affect our lives in practical ways.

It gives me hope. When I watch the news, read about the threatening evil, and view calamity and suffering all around me, I’m comforted to know that God has it all under control. He’s in charge of the last days just as He was in charge of Creation! He has not taken His hand off the wheel.

Knowing that Jesus will return helps me to set priorities. There is no shortage of demands on my time, energy, and money. There are ample opportunities for entertainment and leisure, and pure laziness. I could let guilt or pride drive me to say yes to everything that seems good and worthwhile in my eyes. But knowing His coming is JUST AROUND THE CORNER, it gives me a sense of security and it gives me much joy to stay faithful to the work and lifestyle He has blessed me with.

I find the last stanza of the hymn “The Solid Rock,” an encouraging prayer:

When He shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in Him be found,
Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne.

Hold on…wait a little while longer friends. He is JUST AROUND THE CORNER!