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James 5:7–8 — “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.”

As September draws to a close and we finish this journey through the harvest theme, James gives us the perfect reminder: the greatest harvest is yet to come. Just as the farmer patiently waits for the fruit of his field, so believers are called to wait patiently for the return of Christ. The coming of the Lord is near, and our hearts must be ready.

Patience is not passive waiting; it is active endurance. The farmer does not abandon his field while waiting for the rain. He tends it, protects it, and nurtures it, all while trusting God for the increase. In the same way, we are called to live faithfully—praying, serving, witnessing, and obeying—while we await Christ’s return.

James points to the “precious fruit of the earth,” reminding us that the Lord values His harvest. Every soul saved, every life transformed, every act of obedience matters to Him. Nothing in His field is overlooked, and He will not come until the harvest is complete. His patience is mercy, giving more time for sinners to repent and for His people to be faithful.

But His patience also reminds us of urgency. The harvest will not be delayed forever. The rains will come, the fruit will ripen, and the Lord will return. For the unbeliever, this is a warning to repent before it is too late. For the believer, it is a call to steadfastness—to establish our hearts, hold fast our faith, and keep our eyes fixed on Christ.

A heart ready for the harvest is a heart anchored in hope. It does not grow restless in waiting or weary in labor but stays faithful until the trumpet sounds. It is a heart that longs for the Master’s return and finds strength in the promise that He is coming soon.

As we close this month of reflection, let us recommit ourselves to living with readiness. The harvest is near, the fields are precious, and the Lord of the harvest is at hand. May our hearts be steadfast, our lives fruitful, and our eyes lifted toward the day of His appearing.