James_1

ScriptureJames 1:5  If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.Observation - What does it say?Knock, knock.  Who’s there?  James.  James who?  That’s a good question.  The James in question was probably the brother of Jesus who was also a leader in the Jerusalem church.  The Apostle Paul called him a pillar of the church (Gal 2:9) and met with him on both his first and last visits to Jerusalem.  The letter is distinctly Jewish and is written to Jewish Christians; possibly those who had fled the persecution of believer’s after Stephen’s death.  The tone of the letter is pastoral including instruction and encouragement in the face of difficulties.  Even with his impressive resume the author chooses to be known as James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ (NIV text note)Understanding - What does it mean?For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45)For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:6)Trials and temptations have been the lot of believer’s since the beginning.  Liable at any time to be scattered and afflicted, temptations are often in close company.  How is the disciple to navigate this landscape?  Ask.  That is Pray.  Tradition has it that James was such a man of prayer that he was known as “camel knees.”  An obvious response to trials is to pray for their removal.  James advocated for prayer for the right use of these circumstances – that is to pray for wisdom.  “To be wise in trying times is a special gift of God, and to him we must seek.  We go to God with our own weakness and folly, to ask for wisdom.  With God’s glory our aim, we are sure of its provision.  And, not in small quantity.  He gives generously, He gives without finding fault and He gives to all” (Matthew Henry). Life ApplicationFor by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you (Romans 12:3) Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you” (Matthew 9:29)Be encouraged today.  Let us take a fresh look at our trials.  We are not beggars at the throne of grace.  We are his sons and daughters – loving our heavenly Father by serving others during trying circumstances.  We are to ask, according to the measure of faith we have been given (i.e., the power given by God to each believer to fulfill various ministries in the church).  It will be done.- Warren Vivian 

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