Last week we talked briefly about Paul’s three missionary journeys. We discussed them in three days and the whole account takes just a few minutes to read, but the journeys combined (from start to finish) are estimated to have taken twelve years. Before we move on to see what happened next in Paul’s life, I thought we would look at the many letters that were written during this time by Paul and some of the other disciples.
A couple of years ago, I went through Beth Moore’s bible study “Mercy Triumphs”, which is a study of the book of James. I love Beth Moore! I love studying God’s word with her. You may find me referring to this study occasionally as we look at James’ letter to the early church.
This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing to the “twelve tribes” – Jewish believers scattered abroad. Greetings! – James 1:1
James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is how James opens his letter, with an introduction of himself. Have you ever had to introduce yourself or write your own bio? It is not easy to do. Out of all the different ways James could have described himself, he chose “slave”, or some translations use the word “servant”. Not brother, not blood relation, not childhood playmate – but servant.
My heart resonates with James’ description of himself. I desire to be completely sold-out to God – a servant willing to do whatever God asks of me, addressing Jesus as my Lord or my Master as well as my Christ, my Savior. I recognize that it is through his blood that I kneel before him forgiven and with a hope and peace that are precious gifts from God Himself.
James, the half-brother of Jesus, was really named Jacobus after the patriarch Jacob, whose sons became the 12 tribes of Israel. So, when I read that James is writing to the twelve tribes of Israel scattered among the nations, I rush on to the next verses, finding no significance in the receivers of this letter. But the early church would have seen the significance of a man named Jacob writing to the 12 tribes. They had been scattered for centuries because of their idolatry, and the Jews had longed to see their nation one day reunited. Now the persecution of those Jews who believe Jesus was the Messiah is causing them to be scattered once again.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. – James 1:2-4
Let me share some words from Beth Moore regarding perseverance and what it means to be “mature and complete [Mercy Triumphs, p.45]:
The Greek word translated perseverance or endurance pushes beyond the passivity we tend to associate with patience. Two definitions spoke loudest to me.
First, perseverance means “nerving oneself” like a person determined to stay on his feet, holding tight to Jesus, while storm winds try to toss him like a yellow rubber duck on a swelling sea. What this definition says to you and me today is that it’s time we nerved up.
Second, perseverance means “heroic endurance.” I know a few people who could stand to see some heroic endurance in feeble flesh and blood. How about you? Who have you seen it in and how? Unless it’s Jesus, that person is no more superhuman than you or me. He or she may have had more faith but not more potential…
The Greek word for “perfect” (teleios) describes “that which has achieved or reached its goal, objective, purpose” and, therefore, “full-grown” and “fully developed.” The last few words of verse 4 capture it best: “lacking nothing.” The teleios idea is that we grow up fully in Jesus during our tenure here on planet Earth, bearing much fruit, giving God glory, and not missing a single thing Christ died on the cross to give us. He has a goal for each of us, and His desire is to completely fulfill it.
That is my prayer this morning. I want to grow fully in Jesus, bearing much fruit, giving God glory and not missing a single thing Christ died on the cross to give me. I want to fully develop and grow in order to completely fulfill what God intended my life for. What is your prayer today?