Woven

I know we’re in the home stretch, girls. But, since we can, let’s pause and look at one more character, please.

I want to talk about James. As Angie said, James was the half-brother of Jesus. Angie also announced that he didn’t necessarily believe in Jesus (as the Messiah) when Jesus was living.

Read John 7: 1-5.

John is straight forward in saying that Jesus’ brothers did not believe Him or in Him. That’s why they were pressuring Him to do miraculous things publicly.

Now, read 1 Corinthians 15: 1-7.

This is a powerful passage of scripture. In these verses Paul demonstrates giftedness with words. The whole Gospel is presented in these verses. He also includes names to show that Jesus was intentional about who He appeared to once He’s been raised from the dead. His appearances were meant to prove the Gospel.

Now, I can’t think of a better testimony than James’. He grew up with Jesus. He saw Him in all of His humanity. That humanity hindered his ability to see Jesus as Christ prior to His death. But, when His brother that He saw die appeared to him alive, He couldn’t help but believe.

In the book of Acts, James shows up as a very important leader in the Jewish Council. In Acts 15, he was brought a circumcision dispute. Read through the chapter if you have time. It’s extremely interesting. In the first 12 verses of the chapter, the dispute is laid out before the Council. In the very next verse, James answered. His answer stuck, and that clearly demonstrated his position. He was a decision maker for the Jewish people.

That’s the history on James, and we can be sure his words carried weight. His book has always carried weight with me. I love the message James shares to the Jews during the dispersion. Can you even imagine their fear? At that point in history, the Roman government was aggressively opposed to Christianity. Believers were losing their lives in horrific ways. James calmly but certainly speaks to them about how they live and act in the face of difficult circumstances.

At times, scholars have argued that Paul and James were at odds with each other – meaning their messages contradict. Paul’s message seems completely centered on grace while James is all works. I disagree and choose to agree with Angie. I believe they are one in the same.

James, who did not believe His brother to be the Messiah while he lived in the same space with him couldn’t argue with grace being the door to salvation. Surely James would know that he couldn’t do anything to earn forgiveness and then salvation. However, I appreciate the practicality of James, “Hey, if you’re a Christian, your words, actions, LIFE should show it.”

Oh, there’s so much. What would I give to be able to sit down with you and walk through every single verse of James? I want to so badly. Since we can’t, though, let’s close with a powerful passage at the end of James. In the midst of persecution and an array of world problems, this is how James encouraged Believers to live together,

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praises. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of the righteous man can accomplish much.

James 5: 13-17

I’ve picked up on a theme of unity in community throughout the Bible. God calls us to it! Yes, we are supposed to share the Gospel with a lost and dying world. But, it seems God’s Word is imploring us (on repeat) not to step over our own brothers and sisters in the faith to do it. We are called to share life with others.

For your journal today, I’m going to offer up some references from James that match several issues we face even today. If any one of them is something you’re struggling with today, spend time with your Bible and journal,

· What to do in discouraging trials? (James 1: 1-12)

· How to battle the deception of sin? (James 1: 13-16)

· What does God view as partiality? (James 2: 1-9)

· Faith vs. Works (James 2: 14-26)

· Tongue/Gossip (James 3: 1-10)

· How do we handle quarrels among us – believers? (James 4)

· Materialism (James 5: 1-6)

Now, on your own, reach out to God with your effective prayers of the righteous. If you aren’t sure how to pray for them, reach out to a friend to pray along with you. There’s power in unity, and I believe God loves for us to humble ourselves with each other for the purpose of prayer and support. The effective prayer of the righteous can accomplish much. (James 5:16)