Well Paid Mercenaries
James Chapter 5Reading this Chapter was like looking at a section in Proverbs. There were several thoughts that in themselves would have warranted selection. To choose only one is a hard task but I have found this verse fascinating for awhile.
Scripture: James 5:4 (The New American Standard Version) “Behold, the pay of the laborers who mowed your fields, and which has been withheld by you, cries out against you; and the outcry of those who did the harvesting has reached the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth” (The Lord of the Host).
Observation: The word mercenary usually refers to a soldier who serves in an army not because of a cause but for hire. These soldiers were often hired so the sons of rich people would not have to fight. Just think, you could pay someone to fight in your place and if they died, oh well, your son had technically served his time and if you stopped paying the family of your mercenary what could anyone do? How unjust! A friend of mine was struck by this verse. We were serving as full time staff with Youth for Christ and we had to raise our salaries as missionaries. We would communicate the great need of reaching a generation of “throw away kids” and people would be moved but when it came to supporting us they were often very hesitant or would not honor their commitment. People would talk about how bad this generation was and we would tell them that God was working in incredible ways. They thought that was great as long as “those kids” did not come to their church. My friend stated that as Christians we are all responsible to see our neighbor’s need and help them. We are all called to reach the lost and yet it is easier for people to pay others to do it. Now that would not be so bad, for missionaries are called to go, but then aren’t we responsible to support them? If we prosper while they struggle aren’t we held responsible. Shouldn’t we be working together? How can we share in a harvest that cost us NOTHING! We so often felt like unpaid mercenaries. As full time Christian workers we are called to trust God that He will provide for our needs and to not be bitter or resentful of others. Fortunately for us, God does show up and He produces a harvest but without the whole bodies support “the Church” is not functioning properly! We are all called to share the load so we can be a part of the harvest.
Application: This is pretty obvious for me. As a pastor, I too am being asked to reexamine my efforts to support others, especially missionaries. How often are my personal needs or the needs of my church my only focus? How am I contributing to others who are doing the work of the harvest? I also must ask myself, how I am responding to others when they think, as a pastor, I am for hire to do what God has also given them the responsibility to do?
Prayer: Lord, I want to be a part of a bigger picture. I want to share in your harvest all over the world. I don’t want to ever be a bitter or a resentful minister. You are so good and you are my provider. Please continue to surround me with big kingdom people who want to partner together, for the fields are white unto harvest. Send us more laborers Lord, leaders who will reproduce other harvesters! Amen.
Prayer, such a mighty force!
"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." James5:16
God needs me! God needs you! We are history makers through our prayers. My heart soars when I realize the importance of prayer and the mighty mandate we have to pray, unceasingly and at all times, as directed by the Holy Spirit. Prayer is a sure thing. More often than not our battle is to yield ourselves and our time to God to pray. How the devil fights hard to soak up all our time so we just don't have a minute to pray.
LORD,LIKE THE PRODIGAL SON BRING US TO OUR SENSES REGARDING THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER AND HOW CRUCIAL IT IS FOR US TO PRAY.CONVICT US OF THE FACT THAT PRAYER IS HOW YOUR WILL IS DONE ON EARTH!!!!
John Wesley declared:" God does nothing on the earth save in answer to believing prayer,"
Father, thank you for the mighty mantle of intercession you place on our endtime generation. We set ourselves to be the prayer warriors you have called us to be.
Denise Scaglone
Posted by
Anonymous |
10:52 AM
I just had to post with this chapter.
I must say that along with pastor, I was so moved by this whole chapter in a way I had not seen before. But for this time in my life, the verse 5:13 said it all to my heart.
[GWT] "If any of you are having trouble, pray. If you are happy, sing psalms."
I think what hit me most in the application was "if ANY of you" ~ I think it's all too obvious when WE are having trouble that we almost always pray for ourselves. I was moved by the application to the WHOLE body of Christ. I agree with Denise, and the verse she has chosen goes hand-n-hand with this one. But my favorite part is the lesson that can be learned by rejoicing for ANY other Christian in our "body".
My prayer: Am I really, heart and soul rejoicing for others as good brings good things to them?
I pray that God strengthens me in this area, so that not only can I help minister to others in a time of prayer need; but also truly love their blessings as if God blessed me directly. Thank you, Holy Spirit for giving me the que to pray for others and really be called to a prayer life. Thank you, Father for creating a desire in me to be happy for my brothers and sisters even when my life is in sorrow or need. Help me rejoice for those on the mountain, even when I walk through the valley.
Posted by
Anonymous |
12:14 PM
Jesus, the ultimate antidepressant!!
S. Hebrews 1:9 "Therefore God,Your God, has ANOINTED YOU WITH THE OIL OF GLADNESS more than Your companions." The amplified says: "THE OIL OF EXULTANT JOY AND GLADNESS".
o. This whole chapter is one that brings us to worship our Lord Jesus, the King of Kings. He has created the worlds . Jesus is "the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person". Jesus also "upholds all things by the word of His power..." To top things off, God has anointed Him with the OIL OF EXULTANT JOY AND GLADNESS.
A. How I rejoice to know that the One who lives in me is filled with the EXULTANT JOY AND GLADNESS. The whole earth is filled with this same joy because it is upheld by Him. How I need to tap into this Joy and let the world know that there is a marvelous solution to every problem. Right now I feel like an awestruck child standing on the warm beach before the ocean . I have the choice to step in, get wet and go deeper. There is no limit to that JOY.
P. Father, because of Jesus in me, I am to be a source of joy to my family, friends. neighbours, church. I hungrily receive that oil of joy and let it penetrate deep into the nooks and cranies of my heart and being. Laugh through me today Lord. Jump for joy through me today. Let me rejoice in You and enjoy those you put in my path today. Your hilarious daughter thanks you.
Denise Scaglione
Posted by
Anonymous |
9:44 AM