James 5:11-18 ~ we count as blessed those who have persevered

Seeing with the eyes of Faith, Jesus Christ for us at the intersection of God and man

 

 The Book of James 5:11-18

11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

12 Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.

13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 

14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.

If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 

16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. 

He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 

18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.



God is amazing. 

Perseverance.  For 500 years the children of Israel slaved for Egypt. Without pay. And as they crossed the Red Sea on dry land, they had most of the gold available to their slave owners. Provision for the new nation and for the Temple. God was smart- they did not get to quickly spend this. Proverbs tells us a huge bulk of money newly created is quickly spent - like on the gold calf.

Perseverance. The persecution of Christians began in Rome, 16 years after Jesus died. And in First Council of Nicaea of 325 A.D., many of the Bishops, like Nikolaos of Myra, later called St. Nicolas - had to be released from prison to attend for worshiping Jesus. Those centuries of persecution required perseverance.

David had to wait 22 years. Noah had his sons grow up in 20 to 40 years,  during the building of the Ark. Joshua waited 40 years.

James knew his Brother Jesus for 33 years. James knew of the perseverance of Jesus. And of Mary for living out God's Plan. Jesus' Gospel tell us twice Mary, with the help of Jesus, did very well.

And the people living out God's plan,  knew He would pour out a blessing.


Given all these years:

Romans 8:27-28
27And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.


David always believed God would fulfill His Word.

Noah always believed.

James is witness to the faith of Jesus.

Living Romans 8:27-28 is faith. And believing His mercies renew daily and using that blessing to carry us further tomorrow - every day. Living this:

Romans 12:9
Love must be sincere.

Jesus never did fire the apostles for being sincere.

This is letting us be grateful for the blessings and gifts of God. Presenting our souls back to Him as a gift.

Ephesians 2
19 Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens of the saints and members of God’s household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. 21 In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord.

We are the Temple of the Lord. The Light of Christ dwells in us.

Abba, our Father,

When we read of Your perseverance, our hearts burning within us, tell us You are a God of Love.

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" When Peter saw the strong wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Peter always knew of being lifted from the waters and carried to the boat supported only by Jesus. Jesus made the foundation firm.

For we do not have a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities.

Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed Him.

Jesus took him by the hand and helped him to his feet, and he stood up.

Jesus fed multitudes and healed multitudes. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way."

Jesus took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.

Father we draw near to You, in the Name of Jesus. We give you tenderly the ones we love. And we know You will do the Wonders of Your Love. And with our cares. Especially this Nation. All around the world - those who depend upon You. Your victory in Your Word and in Your Son. Amen in Jesus.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †