James asked the oppressive rich for their close attention, as in 4:13, by saying "Come now." His message seems to be directed to some rich outside the church, especially since verse 7 is directed to brethren.
Christians, of course, must also beware of the dangers attached to riches (Isaiah 5:8; Proverbs 11:28; Amos 3:10; 1 Timothy 6:8-10, 17-19). “Weep" and “howl” describe loud mourning for the dead and crying aloud. It would appear the mourning enjoined is for their own loss (James 5:1).
Their money and garments were wasting away because they were ill-gotten and hoarded up without any plan for good use. A tarnished appearance would stand as a witness against their greed and cause them to be condemned. They had stored up a large treasure to bring God’s full wrath upon them in the last day (James 5:2-3; Romans 2:5).
The practice of refusing to pay the poor laborers even their promised meager wages is condemned in the Old Testament (Leviticus 19:13; Jeremiah 22:13; Malachi 3:5). The wages held back and hoarded cried, like the blood of Abel, for judgment. The cries of those cheated were also heard by the Lord of hosts (James 5:4). God has the power to take vengeance in such cases and will use it (Romans 12:19-21).
The rich indulged themselves in fulfilling of all their wants. Their stuffing themselves with pleasure was much like a hog being fattened for slaughter (James 5:5). The Just, or Righteous, One they murdered is Christ (Acts 3:14; 7:52; 22:14; 1 John 2:1). Yet, our Lord submitted to them without resistance (James 5:6; Isaiah 53:7; 1 Peter 2:21-23).
James urged the brethren to patiently endure just as the Lord did (James 5:7; Matthew 5:38-48). All will be rewarded for their deeds at his coming (John 5:28-29). Christians should patiently endure what others do to us and patiently remain in service because the Lord will reward us.
The Christian’s patience should be like a farmer in Israel who waited for the early rain to help the seed germinate and the latter rain to help it gain fullness before the harvest. Impatience will not speed the harvest, nor the coming of the Lord (Mark 4:28-29). James encouraged them to stabilize their hearts and firmly set them to await the coming of the Lord. The Christian should always think of the Lord’s return as imminent (James 5:8; Matthew 24:36-44; 25:13).
External persecution might lead to a natural venting of frustration. James warned his Christian readers against blaming others leading to condemnation. They should always be prepared for the judge’s return by picturing Jesus at the door ready to enter. They would not want to be guilty of wrongful, or harsh judgment, knowing the judge was ready to come any time (James 5:9).
The prophets endured external pressure, “suffering,” for God (Matthew 23:34; Luke 11:47; Acts 7:52). Those spokesmen left an example of bearing up and remaining true to the Lord. Their example encourages Christ’s followers to like patience (James 5:10; Hebrews 11:32-38). They were happy because of a disposition of heart, from the inside out. They remembered the end of a wicked life (Psalm 73:1-18; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9), as well as the goal of a life of faith (Hebrews 11:13-16). Job is an example of one who patiently bore suffering and was rewarded in the end (Job 42:10-17). We do not know the end of our story but are assured all will work out for our good (James 5:11; Romans 8:28, 31-39).
James’ urged readers awaiting the Lord’s coming to be careful to avoid oaths. The Lord delivered an injunction against oath taking like the Pharisees used to promote lies (Matthew 5:33-37; 23:16-22). This does not prohibit solemn oaths involved in law, religion or contracts (Hebrews 6:13; 7:21; Matthew 26:63-64; Romans 1:9; 2 Corinthians 1:23; Galatians 1:20; Philippians 1:8). Christians should do exactly what they say they will do, thus being ever ready to receive a blessing from the Lord (James 5:12).
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