Family Worship (May 31)

Have you ever planted a seed and wanted it to grow right away? Maybe you put it in the dirt, gave it water, and checked on it five minutes later. Nothing happened. Then you checked again the next day. Still nothing. Growing takes time. A farmer cannot yell at the seed and make it grow faster. He has to wait. He waters, watches, and trusts that God will make it grow.

James says following Jesus is a little like that. Sometimes life is hard, and we have to wait for God’s help. Sometimes we feel sad, sick, happy, or scared, and we need to pray. Genuine faith does not give up. Genuine faith watches for Jesus and prays to God in every situation.

The good news is that Jesus never gave up on us. He came to rescue us, died for our sins, rose again, and promises to come back one day.

James 5:7-8, 13-14, 19-20 (NIV)
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.

My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

Discussion Questions
Why does James compare waiting for Jesus to a farmer waiting for his crops to grow?
What are some times when our family needs to pray instead of worrying, complaining, or trying to fix everything by ourselves?
James says we should help bring back someone who wanders from the truth. How can we lovingly help someone who is drifting away from Jesus?

Family Activity: Plant, Watch, and Pray
You will need a small cup, some dirt, a seed, and water. As a family, plant a seed in the cup. Talk about how the seed will not grow instantly. It needs time, water, light, and care. Place the cup somewhere everyone can see it during the week.

Each day, have someone check the seed and water it if needed. When you check it, pray for one thing:

Pray for patience when life is hard.
Pray for someone who is sick or hurting.
Pray for someone who needs to come closer to Jesus.
Pray for your family to trust God while you wait.

As the seed grows, remember: God is at work even when we cannot see it yet. We watch, we pray, and we trust him.

Prayer
Father, thank you that you are full of compassion and mercy. Help our family to watch for Jesus with patient hearts. Teach us to pray when we are sad, happy, sick, scared, or sinful. Thank you that Jesus died and rose again to bring us back to you. Help us trust you while we wait. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Memory Work:

New City Catechism
22. Why must the Redeemer be truly human?
That in human nature he might on our behalf perfectly obey the whole law and suffer the punishment for human sin.

Memory Verse
Matthew‬ ‭22‬:‭37‬-‭39‬ ‭(CSB‬‬)
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.  , This is the greatest and most important   command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself."