Tag Archives: the book of James

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”  (James 1:19-20, NIV)

There is not a more succinct statement of what the disciple of Jesus should aspire than what we read in today’s scripture.

Whomever first uttered the bromide: “The reason God gave us two ears and one mouth is that we should listen twice as much as we talk,” was on to something.  We all should major in listening and minor in speaking!

When you “listen” with every sense the Lord has given you, you will see what others do not see; you will hear what others cannot hear; and when you are compelled to speak, your sentences will convey the wisdom of God.  – Luther

 

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“Is anyone happy?  Let them sing songs of praise.”  (James 5:13b, NIV)

James reminds us that the rhythm of a disciple’s life is not all labor and toil.  There are many periods of happiness and joy.

As we ought to run to God when trouble arrives, we ought also to give thanks to God when our path is smooth, the weather is fair, and our neighbors are at peace with us.

The natural person attributes the presence of these things to many sources other than to God: Luck, one’s knowledge or skill, or the favor of others.  The disciple sees only God (even when God is acting through others) as the source of all blessings.

James recommends this response: Praise God in song.  Indeed, “praise God from Whom all blessings flow; praise Him all creatures here below. . . ”  – Luther

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“Is anyone among you in trouble?  Let them pray. ”  (James 5:13a, NIV)
 
Prayer is not the first resource for many of us when we encounter trouble — although we keep it in reserve as a “last resort.”  We want first to get free of trouble with our own resources (e. g. intelligence, cunning, friends, wealth. . .).
 
For the disciple of Jesus, our heavenly Father is not just our first resource, He is our only resource!
 
Trouble haunts all of humanity.  Don’t be surprised when it comes.  However, when we run to God, we will be amazed at how quickly the storm passes, and at our composure during the ordeal.  – Luther
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