Today in God’s Word

Today in God's Word—July 2023

East Tallassee Church of Christ

July 12, James 5

If Romans challenges us to grasp the majestic theological heights of the gospel, the book of James challenges us to examine the practical effect of the gospel on our lives at ground level. James probes the depths of his readers’ hearts as we learn how faith behaves in everyday life.

One day all the suffering that characterizes life in this world will be over. All the injustice and mistreatment will come to an end. God’s people trust his promises about such matters, and in the meantime, faith responds with patience and prayer to the difficulties of life beyond our ability to control.

In the first century, many Christians were slaves, at the mercy of their masters. Many were impoverished and disenfranchised. James warned the rich about a coming day of reckoning, when God would right the wrongs of fraud and abuse by which they had amassed their wealth. He told the Christians to be patient and remember the day was on its way. Like a farmer who must wait through the growing season for the harvest, the oppressed disciples had to wait for the Lord to come and judge righteously. James encouraged them to faithful steadfastness. He reminded them of the brave prophets, who delivered the word of the Lord to people who did not want to hear it. And he reminded them of Job, who did not understand what was happening, but patiently endured the calamities that marked his life without turning away from God.

When suffering or sickness threatens our joy, James recommended praying to God for relief. When sin has diminished the quality of life (as it always does), he counseled confession and prayer. Elijah’s righteous prayers stopped and started the rain when God was dealing with rebellious Israel. I suspect I’ve barely begun to experience the power available in prayer. How about you?

Ever practical, James taught his readers to be so straightforward in speech that a simple yes

or no without an oath would suffice. He reminded them of the noble task of restoring our brothers and sisters who wander away from the truth. His advice and exhortations are rooted in the Scriptures and in the words of Jesus. His instructions are for everyday life, not some philosophical exercise. The book of James challenges us to examine and adjust our lives by its descriptions of practical holiness.

From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament, Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.