The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him in James 5:10,
"Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord."
In his encouragement to his readers, James points to the prophets who demonstrated patience "in the face of suffering." Jeremiah, Elijah, Ezekiel certainly come to mind here as well as many of the others. As an aside, James refers to these prophets as those "who spoke in the name of the Lord." Those who have served God have often found themselves struggling with various hardships and sufferings. As opposed to the many today who misrepresent God's intentions and are fond of telling us all of the many "blessings" of the Lord we can enjoy in this life, particularly in terms of good health and prosperity, those who have truly served the Lord have often struggled with sufferings of various kinds, including deprivations. These have now become wonderful examples for us to follow as we encounter the difficulties in life as believers, and especially as we serve the Lord.
On a whole other thought, what captures my imagination in this verse this morning is the reality that there have been those who have spoken "in the name of the Lord." Astonishing that individuals have been tapped by God to speak on his behalf! Peter tells us, "Men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." 2 Peter 1:21.
If God has spoken, I best listen. If he has something to say, it must be important. If I fail to avail myself of whatever it is that is required of me to hear what he has to say - woe to me! There is nothing in this life that could possibly take priority over listening to what my Creator has to say to me! I can't possibly think of anything that should keep me from God's word.
Paul said, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17. If I really believe this life is temporary, if I really believe life for an eternity awaits us in the next, if I really believe what I do in this life holds real, lasting, eternal implications forever in the resurrection, if I really believe that it is our Creator himself who determines all these things and that he has chosen to speak to us through those who "were carried along by the Holy Spirit", nothing should keep me from an active and aggressive pursuit of the Scriptures.
What do you think?
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share your thoughts of worship with us from your Bible reading today. We'd love to hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
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