Instruction
Scripture: James5:1-20
As James wraps up his letter, he quickly hits several topics
in quick catechetical fashion. He warns the rich, encourages the suffering, and
calls the faithful to prayer and confession. This section functions as much of
the rest of James’s letter: quick concise teaching to call people to live their
lives according to the faith and salvation they hold on to.
Teaching
James does not condemn wealth, but does take seriously that
money can become a god in people’s lives, and can be at the heart of oppression
of others. He also takes on the issue of suffering, which is primarily talking
about suffering on account of faith in Jesus. He urges patience and mindfulness
that God is trustworthy and faithful, and He will judge. The last part of the
reading urges us to pray. Often people seem to think prayer is a small matter
and not a terribly good way to help others, but James’s point is that the
prayer of a person who trusts God is powerful because God answers us. In all,
James’s message is that we should live the life of faith in word and deed.
Life
How does this reading apply to our lives? We should examine
these areas of our lives and allow God’s Word to lead us into confession. We
generally do not consider ourselves to be wealthy, but as U.S. Americans we are
in the top 2% of the world in wealth. Are we using it God’s glory? To bless our
neighbor? Are we patient in suffering? Indeed, do we even suffer for the faith,
or do we present a “Jesus” in our lives who is so bland that none can be
offended by him … or drawn to him? How is our prayer life? Do we believe that
God hears and answers us?
The last words of James give us comfort. When we find that
we have wandered from God’s truth in the matters above, or in any part of God’s
will, we can be brought back. There is forgiveness in Jesus’ cross that rescues
our souls from death and covers our sins. That is our hope, and the hope we
testify to.
Prayer
This prayer is written
in the themes of Instruction, Thanksgiving, Confession, and Petition.
O God, Your servant James presents a high and hard standard
for us to live by. He delves into matters that seem so personal: how we spend
our money, the hope we live by in this life, and our prayer life. In all these
areas and more he has presented Your truth to us and guided us away from the
world’s wisdom to Yours.
Thank You for pouring Your Spirit out on James to proclaim
Your will to us so that we might live the life of faith in our words and
actions. Thank You for the wealth You have blessed us with. Thank You for the
opportunity to suffer because of our faith in Jesus. Thank You for the
privilege of prayer.
We confess that we have not always used our wealth to Your
glory. We have purchased products that were made by the oppressed and we are
sometimes stingy. We have shunned suffering for the faith and sought to not
offend others with Your truth. We have also neglected prayer. Please forgive
us!
Grant that in all things our hearts and minds would conform
to Your will, Lord God, because You have redeemed us and made us Your people
scattered in this world, but waiting to be gathered to You. Amen.
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