Sabbath, June 7 – James 4, 5

1. What does it mean to “submit to God”? (James 4:7)

2. What deep meaning do we gain from the image of the farmer who waits? (James 5:7)

3. What are the spiritual and physical implications of anointing? (James 5:14–16)

The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary defines the word submit in James 4:7 as: “Full confidence that all God’s arrangements are for the believer’s good” (SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 564).

Submission entails obedience, acceptance, surrender, and yielding. The Christian who seeks a strong relationship with God will open their mind and completely yield to Him.

In the same verse, James commands believers to resist the devil. The biblical concept is straightforward: we must submit to God and oppose the enemy. The assurance that the devil “will flee from you” (James 4:7, NKJV) can be understood as a promise of victorious and fulfilled Christian living.

Later, James presents the image of a farmer who patiently waits for the harvest (James 5:7). The context of this verse refers to the second coming of Christ. Both James and Peter emphasize patience as believers await the promise of Christ’s return:

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us” (2 Peter 3:9, NKJV).

Let us pause and reflect on this. We often say we are “waiting for the Lord to come,” which is correct. However, Peter reframes it: it is God who is waiting for us. The expectation is mutual. The metaphor of the farmer is not new in Scripture when referring to the Second Coming. Jesus used similar agricultural references in Matthew 13:30 and 24:32.

This image of the farmer can be understood in two ways: as us, the sowers, patiently awaiting the gospel seed to bear fruit in our lives and in the lives of others; or as God, who waits for the earth to yield fruit after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. In this context, we may ask: Who is truly waiting on whom? Are we waiting for the Lord, or is He waiting for His church?

A few verses later, James 5:14–16 addresses the anointing of the sick, a practice that remains misunderstood by many believers. The text does not say, “Is anyone dying among you?” While anointing can be offered to someone nearing death, it is not primarily for the dying. The passage states:

“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” (James 5:14, NKJV)

Over the years in ministry, I have seen people become offended when offered anointing, believing they were being given a death sentence. Sadly, they misunderstood the blessing involved in this sacred rite. I have witnessed many recoveries after anointing, and my faith in this biblical practice remains strong.

Beyond physical healing, anointing also brings spiritual restoration. James continues: “And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.” (James 5:15, NKJV)

This pattern characterized Jesus’ healing ministry: He frequently addressed both physical and spiritual conditions. For example:

• “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.” (Matthew 9:2)
• “Your sins are forgiven.” (Luke 7:48)
• “Your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:19)

Chapters 4 and 5 of James are a rich source of truth for Bible students. Much more can be explored, but further discovery is left for personal study.

Today, I invite you to seek God and submit to Him. Let us wait for His coming with the expectation of a farmer awaiting the harvest. May we be faithful each day, in health or in sickness. And may the God we preach truly live in us.

May God bless you with a very joyful and meaningful day.