The reading of the Bible is costly and I’m not just talking about your time.
James, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote this book. He addresses it the twelve tribes of Israel scattered abroad. Being it was written to the twelve tribes of Israel we must surmise even though they were Jews, not all were believers in Jesus as their Messiah. This letter serves a dual purpose; (1) to instruct disciples of Jesus, and 2) to call on those who did not believe in Jesus.
James begins with a recurring theme we’ve recently read about in 2 Corinthians: Trials and temptations. He writes, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4
According to the kingdom of heaven the opposite is always true in the “seen” realm. When trials and suffering happen the follower of Jesus has the opportunity to express joy and faith. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Heb 11:1). When we “count it all joy” we present the kingdom of heaven on earth which is one line of Jesus’ prayer, “on earth as it is in heaven”.
Remember, in the middle of trials remain joyful. We can agree that’s not the easiest thing to do. But when we fix our eyes on Jesus (Heb 12:1-2) we realize He suffered much worse than we ever will. Jesus endured just as we must. We have a God who sympathizes with us (Heb 4:15). And the result of counting all joy produces spiritual growth and maturity. As we remain our joy we look more like Jesus.
- To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.