Salute to sunrise sentinels,
Ever hiked to catch a sunrise over the cliff looking out to the Pacific Ocean? It’s an exercise in patience, isn’t it? You rise while the world sleeps, navigate through the dimly lit trails, and then perch yourself on a rocky outcrop, waiting for the sun to peek over the horizon. The anticipation builds with every passing moment until finally, the first golden ray pierces the morning mist, and the world is bathed in a warm, welcoming light.
It’s a moment of awe, a moment of relief, a moment that makes the wait worthwhile. James, our spiritual life-hack guru, calls us to a similar kind of patience as we anticipate the Lord’s return.
7 Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. 8 You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near. 9 …look—the Judge is standing at the door! 10 …look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 We give great honor to those who endure… …at the end, for the Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
James 5:7–11 (NLT)
James reminds us to “wait for the Lord’s return” (James 5:7), to remember that “the coming of the Lord is near” (James 5:8), and to live with the awareness that “the Judge is standing at the door” (James 5:9). These aren’t just words of caution; they’re words of hope. They remind us that our current trials are temporary and that a glorious future awaits us.
But here’s the life hack: Be like the sunrise sentinel. Keep your eyes on the horizon, keep your heart set on the promise. Remember that the dawn is coming, that the return of the Lord is near. And while we wait, let’s not forget this beautiful promise: “at the end, the Lord is full of compassion and mercy” (James 5:11). This echoes the words of Peter, who reminds us that “the Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, but is patient with us, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). So, as we wait for the Lord’s return, let’s remember His compassion and mercy, let’s remember His patience with us, and let’s strive to be patient in return.
So, fellow sunrise sentinels, let’s keep our eyes on the horizon. Let’s keep our hearts set on the promise. Let’s remember that the dawn is coming, that the return of our King is near. And in the meantime, let’s be patient. Let’s be sunrise sentinels, waiting with anticipation and hope for the return of our King.
What do you think about Jesus’ return? How does this anticipation, coupled with the knowledge of God’s compassion, mercy, and patience, help you cultivate patience in your daily life and how does it shape your perspective on the trials you face?
The thought of Jesus’ returning is exciting and brings in a lot of hope for me. Seeing how the world is changing, people turning against one another and against God, I know that once Christ comes back, it’ll be a time to celebrate. This shapes my daily life by reassuring me that all my hope and my literal life are all in Christ alone and that He is my Rock and my Deliverer. It sounds far-fetched right now with Christ’s returning but I know that I need to be ready to meet my Maker at any time.
I am excited for Jesus’ return as I believe all Christians would be. There were times when I read the promise of Christ returning soon and I would wonder why not already? But the additional reminder of Peter from 2 Peter 3:9 helps me to be patient and understand that God is trying to save as many people as possible. This knowledge helps me to be patient and at the same time encourages me to continue to do my part in making God’s Kingdom come.
Jesus’ return is the beginning of an eternity of love, joy and peace. As I eagerly wait and look forward go Jesus’ return, I’m reminded to slow down, decompress, and understand that all things happen on God’s time – not mine. I trust in my God, and accept that the plans I want for myself are not always the ones God has laid out for me. To cultivate patience in my daily life as I wait for Jesus’ return, I will continue to mediate, delight, and obey on His words. Although, difficulties are inevitable but, by the grace of God through his Holy Spirit, He provides me strength & guidance in order for me to overcome all the sins and difficulties of this world. As long as my faith is on a strong foundation centered around God, I will be able to stand firm through any and all trials I have to face.
(from Brian)
Jesus will definitely return and reign but based on precedence (over 2k years already), I don’t think he’ll return while I’m still here on earth.
I am waiting patiently. Not necessarily for Jesus’ return but for me to return to see Him face to face. Despite being deserving of anything, I know that I will meet and be loved by the Lord.
Being a Christian does not mean that i will avoid storms in my life. But when the storms gather, i know that Jesus will be be the captain of my ship. Regardless of the outcome and destination, I will rely on Him who brings me comfort and peace. – Brian
When I think about Jesus’ return, I feel a deep sense of excitement because Christians have been eagerly awaiting this moment for a long time. This anticipation nurtures patience within us, especially in the face of daily challenges and suffering. We understand that these difficulties are temporary and are part of God’s plan. This knowledge, coupled with the expectation of Jesus’ return, reshapes our perspective on challenges and empowers us to persevere and achieve our goals even in the middle of hardship.