(A) Introduction (Read the reference.)

The advice given by James in this passage conflicts with the expectations of many modern readers. This is an age in which people expect instant gratification and immediate results. Consumers run up huge debts to get what they want now. The advertisements of financial institutions and retailers do not encourage prudence and patience. The Bible teaches that when we experience frustration, set backs and difficulties in Christian service we need to take the long view.

(B) A good example for the Christian worker: the patient farmer.

The farmer needs to show patience with:

(a) The soil.
My father was brought up on a small market garden on the outskirts of Ipswich where the soil was sandy. When he moved to the village of Brockley in West Suffolk as the pastor of the small Baptist church there he intended to supplement his income by producing fruit and vegetables on a large allotment. Sadly the soil was heavy clay - something my father was not used to. His horticultural venture was not a success. Sometimes my father expressed surprise that his neighbour, old Perce, grew better crops than he did. What he failed to acknowledge was that Perce had improved his cloggy soil with cartload after cartload of manure. He reaped the reward of years and years of labour.

Over 45 years ago I did a Geography project on Lord Iveagh's estate in the Brecklands. At the time the poor acid sandy soils were being improved by growing grass leys and lucerne and grazing by sheep. After a period of 35 years I re-investigated the area. Very little of the land was under grass or lucerne. The estate was cashing in on the improvements made to the soil by growing cash crops under irrigation.

It often takes a long time for Christian workers to prepare an area for harvest. David Livingstone is said to have made one convert during his time as a missionary in Africa but after his death hundreds of new missionaries flooded into the continent. The church grew slowly in China before the expulsion of Western missionaries following the communist revolution. Since then a wonderful harvest has been reaped. My own brother and his wife worked many years in an inner London church before God blessed their service.

It is possible for a man to take over a farm which is in good heart and to snatch a series of bountiful harvests without making much effort to maintain the fertility of the soil. For a few years it is all too easy! But then the soil is exhausted and yields decline. This happens in churches. A new minister reaps the benefits of years of labour by his predecessor but does not actually work in the neighbourhood of the church with the same dedication as the man he succeeded. For a while all goes well but after a few years the capital accumulated by the former pastor is exhausted.

(b) The crop.
Immature farmers might get impatient with the crop - it does not seem to be coming on fast enough. One of the few crops I grow is runner beans. The first time I cultivated the crop I was so anxious for signs of life that I poked around in the soil for evidence of germination. This did not benefit the beans. I discovered that runner beans did best with limited attention - a little weeding, feeding, spraying, watering and support. Most of the time it was best to leave them alone.

It doesn't pay to constantly interfere in the lives of developing Christians. Heavy discipleship produces a sickly plant and poor quality fruit. We all need regular feeding, the prayers of our fellow Christians and some encouragement and appreciation. We don't need bossy leaders interfering in the detail of our daily lives or every decision we make. All this does is hinder the Christian's growth to maturity.

(c) Fellow workers.
Nothing is more disastrous for a family farm than dissension among the workers. Success depends upon everyone pulling together. If a father alienates his sons by being too autocratic or sons antagonise their father be being irresponsible and feckless it is doubtful whether the business will prosper. Harmony is dependent upon mutual respect, consultation, shared aims, forbearance and patience.

These are the very qualities that active members of a church need. We have to remember that we serve together. James writes: Don't grumble against each other brothers, or you will be judged. v9. No church prospers where Christ's servants criticise and belittle their fellow workers. Rather we need to be sympathetic, supportive, good-humoured, long-suffering and helpful.

(d) The weather.
Len Vincent was for many years the organist at our church. He was an inveterate worrier. He worried about almost everything. Len owned a small farm and struggled to make ends meet. Strangely there was one item he never worried about - the weather - it wasn't his responsibility. If it was wet at harvest time Len was patient - he waited upon God who he reckoned was in control of the elements.

James reminded his readers that the farmer was entirely reliant upon the autumn and spring rains for the production of his crops. There was nothing he could do to hasten their coming. In this respect the husbandman was dependent upon the Lord.

There is no spiritual harvest without God's provision. It is no use getting impatient with him! We cannot pray up showers of blessing any more than the farmer can make God send the rain on a particular day. The farmer waits patiently for the autumn and spring rains and we must wait for God, in his time, to send his Spirit to revive his church.

There shall be showers of blessing:
Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and valleys,
Sound of abundance of rain.

(C) The culmination of the Christian's service: The second coming.

(a) Its importance.
James encourages us: Be patient brothers until the Lord's coming. v1. It is then that, as a farmer reaping his precious harvest, the loyal, persevering servant will receive his reward. The Judge at his return will make the final assessment of our work. Let us hope we shall hear him say: "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" Mt25v23.

The Old Testament prophets were vilified in their own day but eventually they were vindicated by unfolding events. Jeremiah, the prophet of doom, was consistently reviled throughout his lifetime but the words he spoke proved true. Van Goth only sold one painting before his death but his genius was eventually recognised.

When Christ comes again all the truly humble disregarded Christians will be exalted. The last will be first. The true saints will be honoured.

Job hung on through his suffering and eventually his fortune changed because: The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. v11. So we can be sure that those who have bravely born much in Christ's name and for his sake will recieve their prize at the resurrection.

How bright will it be when Jesus appears!
How welcome to those who are saved by his cross!
A crown incorruptible then will be theirs,
A rich compensation for suffering and loss.

(b) Its certainty.
Job endured tragic loss and prolonged physical discomfit. However, he did not endure quietly. He was outraged at the injustice of his predicament. Job expressed himself with conviction and passion. He was convinced that the ills that had befallen him were undeserved. The righteous man cried out: "I sign now my defence - let the Almighty answer me." Job31v35. Job expected God to appear - and he did. His coming was inevitable.

James tells us: The Judge is at the door! v9. Nothing is more certain than that one day the door will open and the Lord of Glory will return to the stage. He will bring down the curtain on the day of grace.

Our Lord is now rejected,
And by the world disowned;
By the many still neglected,
And by the few enthroned.
But soon He'll come in glory;
The hour is drawing nigh
For the crowning-day that's coming
by-and by!

Christ's return is imminent:

I am waiting for the coming
Of the Lord who died for me;
O! His words have thrilled my spirit:
I will come again for thee.
I can almost hear His footfall
On the threshold of the door;
And my heart, my heart is longing
To be his for evermore.

Will our lamps be filled and ready,
When the Bridegroom comes?
And our lights be clear and steady,
When the Bridegroom comes?
In the night, ...... that solemn night,....
Will our lamps be burning bright,
When the bridegroom comes?