Second Example of Patient Endurance: The Prophets (5:10)

Second Example of Patient Endurance: The Prophets (5:10)

A Jewish group would get this simple reference that James made to the prophets in the Old Testament. In his Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:10–12), Jesus cited the prophets as examples of overcoming persecution. What do we learn from their example that gives us hope?

They were in God's will, but they still had to go through pain. They preached "in the name of the Lord," but they were still persecuted. Satan says the devout Christian's pain is due to sin or unfaithfulness, but it could be due to faith. Everyone who lives godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 Tim. 3:12). Following the rules does not always make things easier and more fun. Our Lord did what He was sent to do, and it led to a cross!

When we suffer for God's sake, the prophets remind us that He cares about us. Elijah told the evil King Ahab that there would be a drought in the land for three and a half years. Elijah had to live through that drought. But God loved him and helped him defeat the evil priests of Baal. Someone has correctly said, "The will of God will never take you where the grace of God can't keep you."

Many prophets suffered hardships and pain from both non-believers and supposed believers. Jeremiah was arrested for treason and even thrown into an empty well to die. During the terrible siege of Jerusalem, God fed and protected Jeremiah, even when it looked like the prophet was going to die. The Lord saved both Ezekiel and Daniel from their troubles. Even those who died for their faith and weren't saved were rewarded for their faithfulness and loyalty.

Why do people who "speak in the name of the Lord" have to go through challenging times so often? It is often so that we can back up what we say with our lives. Living a faithful and godly life has a lot of power. Being patient in tough times shows others our strength.

Many faithful Christians have died and suffered unnoticed and unrecognized. These "obscure heroes" will get their rewards when Jesus comes back. People killed and buried the prophets, but today their names are remembered. When our Lord comes back, He will bring His reward with Him (Rev. 22:12).

James used this example from the Old Testament prophets to show us how important it is to read the Bible more and get to know these heroes of faith. "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." (Rom. 15:4). The more we know the Bible, the more God can help us through the challenging times in life. The most important thing is that we keep working, like the farmer, and keep witnessing, like the prophets, no matter how difficult things get.