Why Wait?

John’s blog
Note from Pastor John

3/5/13

Dear City Calvary,

When Jesus was gathered with His disciples at the last supper, He made them (and us) an incredible promise.  In John 14:1-3,  He spoke of His Father's House and that He was going there to prepare a place for them (and us).  He promised that He would come back and take them (and us) to be with Him that they (and we) may also be where He is.  What a promise!!!  The Body of Christ has been waiting for the Lord's return ever since He ascended into Heaven and someday, He will fulfill that promise.

So what do we do until He returns for us?  We wait patiently and stand firm.  How do we do that?  James told us in James 5:7-12.  He gave us three examples - a farmer, the prophets, and Job. 

A farmer - After planting the crops in the fall, a farmer looks forward each year to the day he can bring in his precious harvest.  Until then, he must wait for the rains and the proper seasons to come.  It can't be rushed.  While he is waiting, he is busy about the land, doing the necessary things to keep the farm in good working order.  We too must wait however long it takes until The Lord comes back for us.  In the meantime, we are to be busy about God's kingdom, doing the necessary work that needs to be done in preparation for His Harvest.  That means we are to keep loving and serving Jesus, keep sharing the Gospel, and keep doing what The Lord is calling us to do.  

The prophets - The prophets were persecuted for telling the truth.  Did they stop telling the truth because of their trials?  Did they give up standing for God when others tried to knock them down?  Did they quit because of suffering.  NO!!!  We too are to continue telling the truth about Jesus.  We are not to give up or quit living for Him and His glory, no matter how many obstacles we face.  We keep going, regardless of how long we must wait.

Job - Job suffered as much as any man ever has.  He lost his wealth, his health, and his children.  He never criticized God but instead declared "The Lord gives and The Lord takes away.  May the name of The Lord be praised."  He believed God, no matter how much he suffered.  That is such an example for us.  Life has its challenges but we need never doubt Jesus love for us and that He will help us get through anything and everything that life presents.  No matter what happens in life, He is worthy of praise.  (Don't make foolish vows and don't grumble against others.)

This coming Sunday, Lord willing, we will finish the book of James - focusing in on 5:13-20.  I'm so thankful for this passage because James tells us what to do when we are in trouble, suffering, sick.  We can be proactive about things rather than just sitting there.  What can we do?  Come to church on Sunday and find out.  Be sure to read and meditate on James 5:13-20 to prepare your heart and mind.

In Jesus love,

Pastor John 

PS  When is The Lord coming?  Who knows?  We do know that the Bible tells us that we don't know; however, James tells in 5:8 "the Lord's coming is near."  So let's live like He's coming today because one of these days, He will - and it may just be today!!!