Bible Reading: James 5:1-12
Do you sometimes wonder if serving and obeying God is really worth all of the grief that you put up with?
Does it sometimes seem like the people who are getting all the good stuff in life are the same people who are ignoring God and His instructions?
While it may seem as if the “bad guys” are winning, be assured that their “victory” is temporary. Their sinful behavior will eventually catch up with them. If they continue to refuse to admit their sins to God and ask for His forgiveness, their time of happiness and success will be short-lived. James tells us in James 5 that the good stuff people experience and accumulate here on earth is temporary.
James goes on to encourage Christians who are struggling to “Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming” (5:7). When Jesus returns to earth for the second time, He will see to it that everyone gets the reward or punishment that they have earned by accepting or rejecting Him.
Are you prepared for Jesus’ return? Are you living as if He could arrive at any moment to deliver justice to each individual for his or her choices and actions?
“So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” John 16:22
Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive my sins. Help me to be prepared for Jesus’ return by obeying You today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.