A reminder for
today
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to
the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. (James 1:1)
The book of James is one of those that just keeps you
thinking as it reminds you that you still have a few things to get into place. The
book of James is a General Epistle (Apostolic Letter). James the half-brother of
Jesus wrote it approximately 48-49 A.D. It was likely the first New Testament
book (letter) to be written. The key personalities of this book are James and
Persecuted Christians. James wrote this book to Jewish believers to encourage
them to endure and live bold Christian lives. James is a book about practical
Christian living that reflects a genuine faith that transforms lives. In many
ways, it is similar to the OT book of Proverbs.
In chapter 1, James teaches believers to test their faith
and “prove yourselves doers of the word” (1:22). James encourages
believers to put their faith into action, and to be servants of Jesus Christ.
Chapters 2-3, James describes the relationship between faith
and works. He teaches that a person of faith without works demonstrates useless
faith. What good is a person’s faith if they don’t present it to the world? A
believer’s good works are evidence of their faith in Jesus Christ. He also
teaches that everyone is a sinner and that if one of the 10 Commandments are broken,
then that person is guilty of breaking every one of them, “For whosoever
shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all”
(2:10).
In Chapters 4-5, James gives wise instruction to believers.
He said, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will
flee from you” (4:7). A faithful believer will desire to follow hard after
God in service, obedience, and prayer. In the last chapter James stresses the
weight and magnitude of prayer for every believer. He uses the word “Prayer”
7 times, signifying its importance. In the final verse of his book James
expresses the magnitude of living faith in action saying:
“Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one
convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error
of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.”
(5:19-20).
What I love about this book is the deep essence of how we should
live our lives as Christians and just the fact that James starts with saying
that he is a servant of God and of Jesus Christ. This man grew up with Jesus,
so his words are from the experiences he had with our Lord and then divinely inspired
by the Holy Spirit. To me it is the respect he shows and the earnest of his
words that is so compelling and truthful.
Come with me as we are reminded that we are servants of the
Lord and let us be joyful as we face tribulation because the test of our faith
creates patience. Let this patience become perfect so that we may become
perfect and that we will not desire anything anymore.
Have an awesome day dear friend of Jesus.
Cheers
