Thursday, November 19

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2015

Ezekiel 39:1–40:27

James 2:18–3:18

Psalm 118:1–18

Proverbs 28:2

 

 

Today’s reading from James continues the teaching of this practical exposition on the Christian life.  Written by the Lord Jesus Christ’s brother, James expounds on the truth from the Sermon on the Mount and touches upon key elements of living as a Christ-follower.

 

James reminds us consistently to tie our practice of faith to our profession of faith.  This practice of faith means living out the Word of God and reaping a harvest of blessing:  “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.  Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.  But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” (1:22–25)

 

In Chapter 2, James helps to resolve a crucial question on the nature of faith.  The world often calls faith “blind.”  The implicit message from this definition concludes that faith involves a passive assent to some observations or even mere wishful thinking.  In contrast, James confidently declares that “faith without deeds is useless.”  As evidence, Abraham’s “faith and… actions were working together” in showing his trust in God, even with the pending sacrifice of the son of promise, Isaac.  Abraham received God’s commendation as “righteous” on the basis of this active faith.  Only active faith represents true faith.  The natural outgrowth of coming into relationship with the living God is a transformed heart, intent of honoring and serving Him.

 

He then presents an excellent example of this active faith:  making peace with others through a spirit of humility.  With God’s having purchased peace with Him through the shed blood of Christ, we may focus on taking a different path than the world.  James recognizes that the worldly perspective includes “envy and selfish ambition,” which promote “disorder and every evil practice.”

 

James then describes godly “wisdom” as breeding harmony through its active qualities:  “first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”  The fruit of wisdom emerges in a peace-making spirit.

 

 

 

Thank You, Father, for sharing these truths through Your Word.  Give us strength to honor You through an active faith.  Show us what this active faith means for each of us on a daily basis.  Thank You for your awesome character of faithfulness and grace to us.  We love You so much and give You praise this day.  In Jesus’s Name, amen.

 

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