For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.

James 5:10-11

• Why patient endurance is needed

  • Socioeconomic disparities
  • Oppression
  • And (maybe) because the Lord's return has not yet taken place.

• Regular opposition from the world

• Prophets—why they needed to be patient
  • To honor the covenant
  • Didn't pile on new doctrines, or extra rules.Generally poor response
  • Called people to Torah
  • Discouragement
  • Some ministered for years, some for decades
  • This was very tough work, emotionally. Recall Elijah, Ezekiel, Habakkuk, and (esp.) Hosea and Jeremiah.
  • Greatly outnumbered
  • State prophets, did not challenge corrupt leaders, and connived at unfaithful living
  • It was dangerous to be a true prophet
  • Fate of the prophets
    • Jeremiah – beating, stocks, prison, cistern
    • Isaiah – sawn in two
    • Elijah – Jezebel after him!
    • Daniel – lion’s den
    • Amos – heavy opposition from rel estab in Bethel
    • Etc.
• Job
  • A sort of drama…
  • Job questioned God—but he did not give up.
  • Hardship: Lost children, respect / honor, wealth—but he persevered.
  • Compassion / mercy on Job? Far more at the end than the beginning.

Tomorrow: Yes and No