James 2-5

I am once again amazed at God’s providence. James is one of my very favorite books of the Bible. In Hebrews 5, the writer admonishes us to move on in our maturity from spiritual “milk” to “meat”. That’s the theme I see in James: Maturity! Every verse is significant in its challenge to get us to live the faithful, righteous life. Written by (believed by most scholars) the brother of Jesus, James did not always believe in his older brother (see John 7) but it is evident he was listening! James makes many allusions to the Sermon on the Mount. His former Jewish legalism stands out: He uses over 50 imperatives (commands) in these 5 short chapters. James makes a clear distinction between a trial and a temptation, listening and doing, faith and deeds, judgment and mercy, worldly wisdom and wisdom from God; I could go on, there is so much MEAT! He repeatedly admonishes us to WALK the talk, and WATCH the talk (many references to keeping our words in check)! He challenges our motives, our pride, and our prayer lives! James is not a book for the one who wants to stay in comfort! It is a book for the one who wants to move on to the maturity God has waiting for us. There are many, many “NEXTS” in the book of James. As you read today, ask God “What’s next for me in these words from YOU, written by the brother of my Lord?” What do I need to leave behind and move toward? “Do not merely listen to the Word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 2:22)


Julie Hallman
May 12