Epistle of James: Chapter 5

James 5


James 5:1-6


James begins with a scathing reprimand against the rich in his
congregation for trusting in their possessions.  James
continues his message to the rich from chapter 4 and tells them
to weep and wail over their riches. 


“in these last days you have stored up your treasure”


Last days was a common way to talk about the time after Jesus
rose from the dead. (Acts 2:17; 2 Tim. 3:1; Heb. 1:2; 2 Pet. 3:3;
1 John 2:18; Jude 18 all use “last days” to talk about their
present day.)


Workers and wages


The law of Moses forbade withholding wages, even overnight; if
the injured worker cried out to God, God would avenge him (Deut
24:14–15; cf., e.g., Lev 19:13; Prov 11:24; Jer 22:13; Mal
3:5). The rich have fattened hearts for the day of
slaughterThe picture here is of the rich being fattened like
cattle for the day of their own slaughter (cf., e.g., Jer 12:3;
Amos 4:1–3); similar imagery appears in parts of the early
apocalyptic work 1 Enoch (94:7–11; 96:8; 99:6). As often in the
Old Testament (Amos 6:4–7), the sin in verse 5 is not
exploitation per se (as in v. 4) but a lavish lifestyle while
others go hungry or in need.James is saying that it is not the
workers who are against the rich, but God himself is. They have
lived in luxury while the poor starve from not being paid and God
is pissed. 


James 5:7-12


James returns to his opening argument about trials and addressed
the poor telling them to have perseverance.James is telling the
poor to leave vengeance to the Lord. This is part of wisdom and
found throughout the psalms and proverbs as well as Paul in
Romans 12:19-21 


Prophets and Job


The prophets often suffered for doing what God called them to do.
God is calling them to be patient and allow Him to
repay. The whole structure of the book of Job was probably
meant to encourage Israel after the exile; although God’s justice
seemed far away and they were mocked by the nations, God would
ultimately vindicate them and end their captivity. Again, James
is telling the audience to rest in God’s Character (v11)- The
Lord who is full of compassion and Mercy (Ex 34:6-7)


Oaths


It is obvious that James is quoting Jesus in Matthew 5:33-37 here
in verse 12. Many commentators bring up the zealot oath when
commenting on this verse in James. Craig Blomberg says:
“Oaths can force us into behavior that does not glorify
God.” James 5:13-20James’ call to nonresistance doesn’t mean
he’s calling the church to pretend that these things don’t
matter. God is a God of justice. James calls his church to
fight…. In prayer and in care for one another. 


Confession and prayer


Protestants get a little worried about confession. But here James
commands it. We are called to confess to each other (not to a
priest necessarily). We have the tendency to make this just a
thing between us and God. The emphasis here is on community.
Confess to each other, pray for each other. Vulnerability and
accountability is so important in our growth as disciples. The
Body of Christ is need to grow up into the fullness of Christ in
each one of us. Confession also brings restoration between
factions in the Body 


Conclusions:


James warns about putting trust in the things of this world such
as riches. Even more he warns against the neglect of the
needy. When we are in trials we are to count it joy and have
endurance. In this endurance we are to take on the mind of Christ
and leave revenge to the Lord. He will bring justice. It is not
our job to use violent resistance.Instead, we are to resist
through prayer and confession. This will bring unity to the Body
of Christ and form us into the people we are called to be. Prayer
also opens us up to the power of God so that we can be used to
bring healing and restoration to others.