Because our Lord is coming

Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.

Brothers and sisters, do not complain about one another, so that you will not be judged. Look, the judge stands at the door! (James 5:8-9)

When we were going through Acts, we saw how Peter had told Cornelius that the apostles were commanded to proclaim that Jesus is appointed to be the judge of the living of the dead.

For me, that’s good news. Because in a world where so much evil seems to go unpunished, justice will ultimately be served.

That’s why James can tell us to be patient and to strengthen our hearts as we suffer in a broken world. We have hope that Jesus will return and will judge all things.

But it struck me that our Lord’s coming should make us think about our own actions. The reason being that our own hearts and attitudes, especially towards each other, will also be judged.

James talked about this earlier. (James 2:12-13)

This is not to say that we need to fear judgment day. Our sins have already been paid for on the cross. (1 John 4:17-18)

But it is to say that we are still accountable to our Lord.

That should make us take a sober look at how we live each day.

And so I pray with David, with full assurance of God’s love but also with the knowledge that I still fall far short,

Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my concerns.

See if there is any offensive way in me;
lead me in the everlasting way. (Psalm 139:23-24)