Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh (James 5:8).
By referring to “the coming of the Lord,” James draws our attention to the second coming of Christ. The Lord will not set foot on earth, but will descend from heaven in the clouds. The dead in Christ will rise first, and then the faithful who are alive will be caught up together with them (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
James 5:8 emphasizes three important truths:
1. Christ’s coming is certain. By saying that the Lord’s coming “draweth nigh,” the Holy Spirit is emphasizing that the Lord is certain to come (2 Peter 3:9-12).
2. Christ may come at any time. No one knows the exact time when Christ will come (Matthew 24:36).
3. Those who endure will be rewarded. This is why James says we should establish (or, set fast) our hearts and be patient.
Are you ready for that day to come?
The book Meditations Of My Heart (from which this daily devotional is taken) is available / can be ordered from Sain Publications (931-363-6905 or email psain@sainpublications.com).