Not Known For His Tact

Today on the podcast, we begin the book of James.  I hope you’re prepared.  James is not known for his tact or for beating around the bush.  His words are indeed sharper than any two-edged sword, able to cut between  the soul and spirit.  Don’t be surprised if you’re a little different after reading his special brand of delivery.  So, who was James?

James was Jesus’ brother.  Well, technically, half-brother, since God was Jesus’ Father.  That’s right.  He was right there with his mom calling Jesus out when they thought He was a little crazy…or at least needed protection.  James didn’t believe that his Brother was who He said He was.  It took a special face-to-face, post-resurrection visit from Jesus to make James a believer.  Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:7:Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.

And believe he did.  He became the leader of the Jerusalem Church and we’ve already read about James several times, especially in regard to decisions that were made for new believers at the Jerusalem Council.  It seems sometimes that James and Paul were at odds, particularly when it came to faith vs works.  I think that we have to be careful when we’re reading James because we can misinterpret his emphasis on works.  He is not saying that our faith is dependent on works.  We all agree that our salvation is through Christ alone.  Look for James telling us that works is evidence of true faith; that good works will be a natural outflow of true faith.

The Proverbs of the New Testament

I learned something new.  Accordingly, to the intro on the ESV Bible, this little book has been referred to as “the Proverbs of the New Testament.”  James gives us very practical reminders about living an authentic Christian life.  Chapter 3 is particularly poignant to me because he recounts the dangers of the unbridled tongue.  (Yes, I’m still learning.)  Chapter 2 gives me pause when James tells us that “mercy triumphs over judgement.”

I have to confess that when I was a younger Christian, I was somewhat offended by James.  Then again, no doubt my world-according-to-Joy outlook didn’t have a good grasp on truth.  I’m tickled to say that this has become one of my go-to books for a quick dose of Biblical truth.  I hope it endears itself to you in the same way. By the way, James is thought to be one of the earliest New Testament books to be written; probably AD 40-50.

Do you already have a story about the book of James?  Perhaps a favorite verse or an appreciation for his no-nonsense style?  Tell me your story at Lifting Her Voice, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.