James

Now that I can read better, I wanted more than a few verses this morning. It’s not the shortest book, but does have only five chapters. He tells us at the beginning who he is – James, a servant. Do any of us use that term? Applied to ourselves, as servants of Jesus Christ?

Paul mentions James, apostle and leader of the church in Jerusalem:

But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. (Galatians 1:19 KJV)

That this epistle was written by a Jewish author appears evident in that it opens mentioning the twelve tribes and doesn’t mention gentiles. Yet the message is designed for all mankind. The words require that we turn our love of Christ into action.

Actions that come at different speeds.

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. (James 1:19-20 KJV)

The theme continues.

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. (James 1:26 KJV)

James then defines pure religion.

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. (James 1:27 KJV)

Of course there is much more to be done by Christians, but this should never be forgotten, should never be ignored. James continues with familiar laws, adding a bit to them, as Christ did.

If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. (James 2:8-9 KJV)

James pays close attention to our words. Do we pay as close attention?

Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. (James 3:9-10 KJV)

These works that should accompany our faith have goals. James ends with one that has us reaching out to all.

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. (James 5:19-20 KJV)

If we do follow James’ exhortations, we too will be able to write to others, defining ourselves as servants of God and our Lord, Jesus Christ. The men we know were inspired by the Holy Spirit to write to us thought this a most appropriate title.

May we pray to attain it for ourselves.

Icon of James the Just, Bishop of the church at Jerusalem (Wiki Commons)