James 5:1-12

COMMENTS

When I first read today’s scripture, it didn’t seem applicable to me.  The first part was addressed to the wealthy, and the second part seemed to be addressed to those whom they had abused.  (I’ll explain why I think that later.)  Since I’m not rich nor am I a victim of someone rich, neither seemed to be relevant to my circumstances.  As I prayed, the Lord spoke to me in an unexpected way.

NOTES

As James concludes his letter, he makes three basic points.  We’ll discuss the first two today.

His first point is addressed, once again, to the rich.  Why are so many warnings addressed specifically to the wealthy?  This is the second time in this short book that James speaks directly to that group of people.  At my first reading, as I mentioned above, I read this from a third-party point of view and found myself criticizing those “rich folks” that James was talking about.  As I prayed about it, though, the Holy Spirit convicted me.  I may not be rich according to my standards; but in comparison to so many in the world, I’m very wealthy.  I can pay my bills and still have enough to meet some of my wants.  If I choose, I have enough to worship my money instead of God (James 5:1-3a).  I can hoard what I have instead of using it to help others (James 5:3b).  I am capable of cheating those who do work for me or of not telling the clerk when she undercharges me for a product when I check out (James 5:4).  I can live in relative “luxury” and self-indulgence, even as I abuse the one who has served me in some way (James 5:5-6)

James’ warning isn’t so irrelevant, after all.

Now, for the second point.  Even though it’s not specifically stated, I believe the next section is mainly addressed to the victims of those “rich men” in James’ warning.  That belief is based on his encouragement to “be patient” in waiting for what’s promised, on the instructions not to “grumble against each other”, and on his examples of “patience in the face of suffering”.  They were suffering as a result of abuse by the rich.  I can be that person, as well.  Actually, I just realized that I am that person!  Someone owes me money that was going to be sent two weeks ago; then, it was going to be sent last week.  I still don’t have the money!  Here, the Lord tells me to be patient as I wait (James 5:7-8).  He tells me not to grumble (James 5:9).  I wouldn’t consider this a matter of actual suffering, especially as compared to the example of the prophets of old; but within a certain context, it could be interpreted as a type of suffering (financial suffering, I guess).  So I’m told, once again, to persevere (Remember Chapter 1!), even as I’m reminded that God is in control and is compassionate and merciful.  The implication is that I need to depend on HIM, not on the guy who’s holding out on me.

James’ final statement in this section seemed, again, to be out of left field; but it’s not:

“Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else.  Let your ‘Yes' be yes, and your “No,’ no, or you will be condemned.”  (James 5:12)

In other words, do what you say you’ll do.  The rich guy who follows this instruction will never underpay or abuse his employee.  The worker who obeys will do the good job he promised he would do, even if he gets cheated.  And each will know that God is his provider, his protector, and his Lord.