Douglas Jacoby Podcast

32—Forty Days with James: Hang in There

Episode Summary

Douglas continues his series on Forty Days with James, today looking at Hang in There.

Episode Notes

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