Saturday, December 29, 2012

James 5:8


“You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” (NASB)

STRONGS HEBREW/GREEK ORIGINS

“You too be patient (makrothumeo: endure, not to lose heart, persevere patiently and bravely; to be longsuffering, slow to anger, slow to punish); strengthen (sterizo: establish, make stable, make firm) your hearts (kardia: the center and seat of spiritual life; seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavors), for the coming (parousia: arrival, advent; the future visible return from heaven of Jesus, to raise the dead, hold the last judgment, and set up formally and gloriously the kingdom of God) of the Lord is at hand (eggizo: draw nigh, be at hand, come near, approaching).”

SUMMARY

Don’t lose heart! Patiently persevere and establish your purpose and motivations for the visible return of Jesus Christ is fast approaching!

MEDITATION

I don’t know about everyone else but at times I wrestle with impatience and lack of unshakeable faith when it comes to Jesus’ return. I look at this world around me and I cannot imagine it being allowed by Father to go much further down the road of despair and destruction. So many are hurting, violence runs rampant and, as Scripture foretells, all has become a lawless mess. All of that being said, today I cling to this verse. I know, in my deepest recesses that my Father has it all in His hands and is well aware of the situation. My task is to not lose heart and to establish my innermost being in Him, no matter what my eyes may see. Are you found today doing likewise my friend? The coming of the Lord is surely at hand.