The Judge Is at the Door

As James draws his epistle to a close, he offers encouragement to those who are being oppressed.  “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord.  Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain” (James 5:7).  In the context James addresses those who have been oppressed by the wealthy for reasons of greed and covetousness.  But the principle James offers is equally available to all who suffer at the hands of the wicked — the Lord is coming.

He uses an illustration from agriculture to bolster those who are suffering.  He reminds them that the husbandman (farmer) must wait for the season to run its course, i.e., “until …the early and latter rain” has come and then he shall have his fruit.  There are two key points to bear in mind in the illustration.  The first is that there will be an end to the season — the latter rain shall come.  Second, fruit will come after the latter rain.  So it is that the husbandman can simply wait and let the matter run its course.

In the same way, the season of oppression will not go on indefinitely though at the time we may think otherwise.  There is an end.   Furthermore, as with the husbandman who waits for the fruit, so the desire of the oppressed shall be satisfied when the Lord returns.  In fact, James exhorts his audience immediately after the illustration to be “patient, stablish your hearts for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh” (James 5:8).  Note that James goes further this time regarding the promise of the Lord’s return.  Previously, he merely stated that the Lord was coming.  Now, he proclaims that this coming draweth nigh!

We live in unparalleled times in our nation’s history.  Wickedness no longer confines itself to the darkness of night.  Rather, it is bold in its assault on righteousness, and it seems to have gained the upper hand. But take heart and take note of James’ increasing awareness of the nearness of the Lord’s coming.  For now he tells his readers “behold, the judge standeth before the door (James 5:9).  Yes, He is before the door, and He will judge!

Yes, wickedness shall have its run, but its course is defined — its reach is restrained.  Soon the Judge shall come and make all things right.  We shall soon have the latter rain!

Randy Livingston serves as a chaplain for a local police department. He writes devotionals for his ministry which also appear at his blog, From the Chaplain. We republish this post by permission.