In the fifth chapter of the book of James we are given a clear picture of the impending judgment upon those who practice injustice. The misery is outlined (v.1), their materials are lost (vv.2-3), and the mistreatments are exposed (vv. 4-6). It is evident that there was a significant oppression at the hand of the influential and rich upon this local congregation (Cf. James 2.6-7).
It is remarkable to me to consider the way in which the Holy Spirit comforts these believers. He tells them to be patient (v.7)…until the coming of the Lord! Yikes! What a sentence.
But this is not all. We are to be patient in the face of opposition…but also to be looking forward to the immenent return of the Lord.
James 5:8 You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.
Then again in a warning against backbiting in the body and the ensuing judgment for such things, James reminds his readers that the Lord’s return is at hand:
James 5:9 behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.
I love this picture. He is at the door. He is not asleep, busy, detained, stalling, or otherwise disinterested. No, no, the judge is at the door! Who says studying eschatology is not practical!?
James here calls followers of Jesus Christ to look into the peephole and know that the sovereign judge of heaven and earth is at the door. Not only is he at the door but his foot is raised and he is about to kick it down! He is coming and every eye will see him.
How should the fact that Jesus is coming affect your life?
How about your prayer life? We can start by acknowledging that he is coming and praying that your heart would be calibrated by this fact.
How about your evangelism? Do you not feel the burden for the lost knowing that the judge with inflexible justice is coming?
How about your love for one another? O’ Love incarnate is coming, let us not be found in an unloving posture before the One who is Love (1 Jn.4.8).
How about your patience? He is coming. Can you endure patiently with certainty?
How about your personal thankfulness that you are not going to be smashed by the scepter but graciously permitted to bow before it?
He is coming and we as believers will not be calling for rocks to fall upon us to hide us from the presence of the Lamb (Rev. 6.15-17), nor will be shrinking back (Heb. 10.39; 1 Jn. 4.16-18), but we will be eagerly looking for him (Heb. 9.28).
It is a good word from James to live in this way. Let us live in the shadow of the cross with an eye in the peep-hole, knowing that the King of Glory is coming at any moment.