Gina Caswell Kelly
It is hot and dry. I know, we did get a little rain this last week, and for that I am very grateful. But it is getting close to planting time for our farmers. They have had a tough couple of years or more. And without our farmers, well, we don’t even want to think what life would be like if we were dependent on other countries for our food and fiber. But, I don’t mean to get political. It is a testament to a farmers resiliency to watch them saddle up for one more year.
In James, (and on Mike Kelly’s headstone!) it reads, “See how the farmer waits for the precious “fruit of the earth” — he is patient over it until it receives the fall and spring rains.” This is found in James 5:7. In other translations it tells us to watch the farmer, meaning watch how he is patiently waiting for God to provide. This is a kind of patience that is hard to understand when it seems nothing is going right around you.
The first part of that same verse says, “So, let us be patient as we wait for the Lord’s return.” That patiently waiting for Jesus to return is being likened to how a farmer waits and trusts that what he needs will arrive. So, my farmer buddies, how cool is this! That God, through the writings of James, would hold the farmer up as an example of patience.
The truth of the matter is that God will one day send His Son back to take us home with Him forever and ever. Some days, when life is just getting me down, I think I am so ready for His return. But I quickly remember that I have so many in my life that do not have that saving relationship with Jesus. I have so many that will not be with me in heaven if the Lord were to return today. So, with that it mind, I say No! I am so not ready for His return. I want all those in my circle to know the Lord. I don’t want anyone to be left out. But I can’t accept His gift of grace and mercy and forgiveness for you. That has to be done for yourself. Be sure you know this – God sent His Son for each and everyone one of us. He does not want anyone to choose an eternity in hell. But the truth is, if you do not choose Him, you are choosing hell. Sounds harsh, but it is the absolute truth that I believe with all my heart. He does not send anyone to hell. You choose it by not choosing to put your faith and trust in Him.
Just like the farmer waits and watches the sky for those precious rain clouds that he knows will one day appear, we watch and wait for that day that Jesus will come again. Are you ready for that day? What if it were today? Is your family ready? Are your friends ready? Oh work to make sure all those around you know the Lord as we patiently wait for that precious day that He comes and takes those who have trusted in Him home to live forever and ever. Are you ready? It makes a difference!
