In our present season of life—“Exhort” one another
“Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. . . .”
(The Letter of James 5: 7a NASB)
“Exhort” seems to be an old-fashioned word, one rarely used today. However, it remains an action we continue, even currently. In the translation of the Bible that I read and carry, this particular section of The Letter of James is simply titled “Exhortation.” We receive so many opportunities to “exhort” as we walk through our days. So that we are both thinking the same, the easy definition of the word “exhort” is to urge someone to do something. Thus, James, the half-brother of Jesus encourages us to “be patient, brethren, [brothers and sisters-in-Christ] until the coming of the Lord. . . .”
In this season of Advent, the coming of the Messiah, we are encouraged to patiently wait for the second coming of the Son of God, the second Advent. Take heart, it could be today.
“Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord.
(The Letter of James 5: 7 NASB)
The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it,
until it gets the early and late rains.”
Even though we have accepted Jesus as our Savior, life does not suddenly become easy, and all of our troubles and concerns and cares do not magically disappear. No, we remain human, with our eternal soul remaining inside our earthly body. We still hurt, feel pain, grieve. Therefore, as we patiently wait for the Lord’s coming, we strengthen and comfort one another, offering words of hope, healing, and reassurance. We motivate others to live out their faith, to take steps forward in their spiritual journey. As we read God’s Word, we share what the Lord is teaching us in our daily study, mentoring others and being mentored by others who are also studying the Bible. As we “exhort,” we gently challenge each other for the purpose of spiritual growth and not judgment because there could be times when we need to gently rebuke (call out) an ungodly action we see in the life of a brother or sister-in-Christ, just as they will do for us.
Thus, in this season when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we are encouraged to wait just as a farmer plants seeds in the ground, cultivates the soil to keep out the weeds, prays for the rains to come, and then waits for the Lord to bring the harvest. As we encounter those who have not been saved, we do the same as the farmer James speaks of in his writing.
So, in our present season of life—“Exhort” one another.
- Have you ever prayed and prayed and prayed and prayed and prayed . . . ?
- Have you gone to your knees, surrendering all to God, pleading with God to change another’s heart?
- Have we prayed, asking God to save another from his own selfishness, his blindness, or his lostness?
If so, then you understand the “exhortation” our brother-in-Christ speaks of in his letter. We are to wait on the Lord’s timing, remembering how Jesus came to seek and to save—Everyone from Every Sinful Action!
Truly, that last statement brings us such peace.
Nonetheless, in our patient waiting, we are still going & still doing our Father’s business, as He leads. We are to wrap our arms around another’s shoulder, to encourage them, to urge them forward, to help them through a difficult task, and to be prayerfully concerned (meaning we are to be on our knees, talking with God daily about others). This intimate conversation we have with our Savior is on-going and never-ending (as in everlasting).
“Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord.
(The Letter of James 5: 7-9 NASB)
The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it,
until it gets the early and late rains.
You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.
Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged;
behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.”
Hallelujah. Praise God. Our Lord is coming, and the time is near!
There is no time to dally, no time to hesitate, nor is there time to procrastinate.
TODAY COULD BE THE DAY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST RETURNS!
We sing: “Joy to the World, the Lord has come . . .” & we can rejoice for the Lord has truly come, but we also rejoice for the Lord could come today for His church. What a wonderful Christmas this would be, this season of Advent—If Jesus would suddenly appear in the sky.
However, there are those who would see Jesus and wail and lament, for they are not spiritually prepared. Therefore, let us be deeply concerned for our neighbors who are not ready. Let us verbally share Jesus with those the Holy Spirit leads us to on this day.
As we go, we strengthen others; yet, we do not grumble and we do not judge, for
ONE IS COMING AS THE JUDGE OF ALL!
EXTORTATION—
- We urge our brothers and sisters-in-Christ to stay the course.
- We build up one another in Christ, using the Word of God as our motivation, sharing Bible verses that will encourage them.
- We motivate each other toward spiritual growth.
“As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience,
(The Letter of James 5: 10-11 NASB)
take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
We count those blessed who endured.
You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings,
that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.”
Praise God for His bounty of spiritual mentors found on the pages of His Holy Word. May we ask the Lord to help us endure whatever season of life the Lord is allowing us to walk through, and may we do so without grumbling or without being discouraged. May we not be distracted by the faults of others or by the injustice we see in the world, but may we encourage one another with the Lord’s teachings, as they walk through whatever season of life the Lord is allowing them to walk through today.
Yes, in our present season of life—Christian, May We “Exhort” One Another.