Thought for June 10: Warning to be patient and ready

This world should know that there shall come a day that the godless people will fall by the mouth and the edge of the sword and will be led away as captives to and among all nations and Jerusalem will be trodden down by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled (completed).

For the world should be on the look out for signs to come which shall also be a sign that there shall come difficulties between children and their parents, religions fighting against religious people, many things or events causing distress (trouble and anguish) of nations in bewilderment and perplexity without resources, left wanting, embarrassed, in doubt, not knowing which way to turn] at the roaring (the echo) of the tossing of the sea. Today we are still waiting, and it seems such a long time, but we may be sure, it might be sooner than later, coming for many unexpected, that the powers of the heavens will be shaken and people will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. We are warned to stand up and lift up our heads, when these things begin to take place, because our redemption shall be near. (Luke 21:24-28)

Let us not be so surprised as in the time of the apostles, when James also had warned the goy. He had already warned about the selfish desires that fight to control people, noticing that people could not get what they wanted because they did not pray for it or did not count onto God. (James 4:1-2) Also because so many are not prudent they do not see the trouble or danger coming (Proverbs 22:3), and the unfaithful people don’t know that love for this evil world is hatred toward God and shall have its consequences (James 4:4). James tells us that anyone who is having troubles [suffering] should pray. And those who are happy [joyful] should sing praises [sing psalms]. Our faith should bring forth that we try to live according God’s Wishes and that we show our love to Him by our prayers. Also by our gathering and trying to make a loving community calling others to come to see that Jesus is the Way to God and that we should love God by uniting under Christ. Being partakers of the Body of Christ we should show the world that we are not belonging to it but to Christ and his heavenly Father.

We must be convinced that when a believing person prays that great things happen [L The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective]. James in the reading of today does give the example of Elijah, the Tishbite, from the Gilead settlers, who was a human being just like us. He prayed [earnestly; L with prayer] that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years! And tells us that when Elijah prayed again, the rain came down from the sky [or heaven gave rain], and the land produced crops again [1 Kings 17-18; James 5:17-18].

James also let us know that we should not always expect straight answers, but should be patient. He even dares to request us therefore to even be patient until the Lord comes again. As a farmer patiently waits for his valuable [precious] crop [fruit] to grow from the earth and for it to receive the autumn and spring [L early and late] rains [Deut. 11:14], we too, must be patient. (James 5:7-8) Jesus’ return coming near we should no not give up hope and strengthen our hearts. Look around and come to see the signs which gives indication that the times are nearing and that the Lord shall be coming soon [L the Lord’s coming draws near/is at hand].

Therefore let us come together as Brothers and sisters [C fellow believers], not complaining [grumbling] against each other [because we should know that in such case we will be judged guilty (James 5:9; Matthew 7:1)]. Let us all be helping each other to be ready with the knowledge that the Judge also is ready to come [L standing at the door]! Let us therefore as Brothers and sisters [C fellow believers], follow the example of the prophets who spoke for [L in the name of] the Most High Jehovah God. They suffered many hard things, but they were patient [endured]. We consider them blessed because they did not give up [endured; persevered]. We also have heard about Job’s patience [or endurance; perseverance], and we know the Lord’s purpose for him in the end. You know Jehovah has given His son authority to Judge and to show the mercy of his heavenly Father. With the knowledge about Who the Most High is and on Who we may count and put our trust, God being full of mercy, kindness and compassion and be totally prepared to meet the times that will come. (James 5:10-11)