Continuing his reminder to remain faithful until the Lord’s return, James mentioned the prophets who spoke in the Lord’s name. They were ridiculed and persecuted for doing so, yet they remained faithful. These prophets were revered by the first-century Jews, so this reminder would have caught their attention and reiterated that faithful, godly lives carry much power. The “look back” would have helped these readers also look at their present circumstance and encourage them to remain firm in their commitment to the Lord because they would be blessed. The one who remains steadfast to the end receives the blessing of eternal life with Him. Can there be any greater reward than that? We might not understand today’s suffering or oppression, but we can depend on God’s compassionate mercy to ultimately make everything right. And while we wait, we trust; we patiently, steadfastly, intentionally endure by holding tight to our faith.