As F. LaGard Smith notes in his introduction, the author of today's letter is James, Jesus's (half-)brother. While he expressed little faith during the earthly life of Jesus, he had risen to become a key leader in the Jerusalem church. His letter does not have a specific doctrinal focus or a specific recipient. There are a number of parallels between James's letter and the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5 to 7).
I would like to highlight several key teachings of James:
1. Showing gratefulness for salvation. One of the theological challenges that has troubled Christians for centuries centers around works. The world seems to believe that we may in some way, or should, earn our salvation through our works. For many people, Christianity appears as a list of "dos" and don'ts" that, if followed, will guarantee God's favor. As you have discovered through the Word, however, we are lost without Christ. One sin casts us into the class of lawbreakers, and God's holiness demands that heaven be free from the pollution of sin. As a result, apart from the grace of the Gospel, we may never approach heaven. Furthermore, should works be able to garner our salvation, Christ's death would be in vain, an afterthought to the central role of obedience.
Still, as we see in James, our conduct does matter: not for salvation, but rather for displaying our faith. He argues that Abraham's "faith was made completed by what he did.... As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." This teaching follows in line with Jesus's own words about trees and fruit:
a. "Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." (Matthew 7:17-19)
b. "The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45)
2. Living in view of uncertainty. James provides two clarion reminders of the uncertainty associated with our lives on earth:
a. First, we will certainly face trials in this world: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perserverance. Perserverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Yet, despite the pain that trials produce in the short term, God develops our character through them. Please note that God anticipates that His children will perservere in light of difficult circumstances; this faihtfulness to Him is a testimony to His faithfulness and character.
b. Riches do not provide any kind of lasting security: "The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business." We should never put our trust in creation, rather in the firm hand of the Creator.
c. Life itself may evaporate quickly. We cannot be confident of tomorrow and should not boast in our control over it: "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.' As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins." We may plan for the future, but we do not hold the future. We are to live our lives in order to bring glory to God, asking Him each day: "Lord, what do You have for today? How may I honor You today? Do You have another direction for me? Lord, make me sensitive to Your will." As explained in Romans 12:1,2, through becoming a living sacrifice, we may become more sensitive of God's will. In other words, as we seek to obey, God will reveal His will.
This year, God has been teaching me a great deal about living in light of uncertainty. Much of these lessons have come as a result of having my desire for control unfulfilled. Through this, however, God has reminded me that His presence is better than any earthly blessing and that His faithfulness will last forever. In light of the uncertainty of each day, we may faithfully follow what God has laid on our hearts.
3. Praying fervently. In 5:13-18, James notes that prayer has the power 1) to heal, 2) to bring forgiveness for sins, and 3) to bring forth God's work on the earth. "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." When we pray little, we illustrate our unbelief in the power of prayer -- and, ultimately, in the power of God Himself. Through prayer, God reveals His heart more fully to us, and we may express those desires that He has laid on our hearts. As we seek to move in step with His Spirit, our desires will become more and more in line with His will. God answers those prayers in line with His will.
Put another way, Elijah, while a hero of Israel, did not cause in himself any changes. Instead, God channeled His power and will through His righteous servant to bring Israel back to Himself. Are you ready to be such a difference-maker? What is stopping you from surrendering your life life to Christ?
QUESTIONS
1. How may you show your gratefulness for God's work in your life this Christmas week?
2. Are you trusting in anything other than God's faithfulness?
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