How Do I Deal With Pain?
Are you going through an intense trial? If so, the Book of James is just the book you need.
James 1-2
Today's Scripture Passage
A Few Thoughts to Consider
Are you going through an intense trial?
If so, the Book of James is just the book you need. Likely written by the half-brother of Jesus, James was probably completed several years before A.D. 62. According to the ancient historian Josephus, this was the year James was martyred.
Initially, this book was not included in the original canonical list. One of the reasons many objections are made to this book is due to its lack of theological content. In fact, out of all the books in the New Testament, aside from Philemon, James ranks as the least theological. This led the great reformer Martin Luther to refer to it as “an epistle of straw.”
But as we will see in its content, for “an epistle of straw,” it packs a powerful punch. James’ central point is that Christians' faith should compel them to do good works. The tone of this writing is one of authority. In fact, James uses the imperative voice a convincing 46 times. There can be little doubt that he firmly believes Jesus is the hope for this world. And it is this hope that must compel men and women of faith to take action.
James' audience was primarily Jewish Christians scattered among the nations, likely due to persecution. They faced significant trials, including social rejection, economic oppression, and potentially violent persecution for their faith in Christ. These challenges came in various forms, from being ostracized by their communities to enduring hardships imposed by wealthy landowners or ruling authorities.
To this audience, James writes in verses 2-4: 2 Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
When it comes to life, there are trials, and then there are TRIALS. Trials are rough situations. The car refuses to start, a relationship crisis emerges, or a health issue requires immediate attention. All of us go through “trials.” However, trials of this kind cannot compare to the TRIALS that those in James’ audience were going through.
