James 5

Posted on June 7, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Friday, June 8: James 5

James continues his treatise on economy, this time turning to address the rich. His language is stunning, even biting, especially to American ears. What are we to make of his indictment? “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted…You have laid up treasure in the last days…You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence.” (vv1, 2, 5).

At one level, we shouldn’t be quick to explain away these words. God may intend for them to strike us squarely, so we should be attentive to this. We live in the midst of great abundance. Our language of “economic downturn” is surely misunderstood by our global brothers and sisters in Christ, many of whom live in squalor. These words OUGHT to convict us, at one level, to examine our resources and how we deploy them, even how we think about them.

At another level, though, it is important to keep in mind the situation of the first century. There was no middle class to speak of: you were either rich or poor, often as the result of circumstance, same as today. But it seems that James is looking to these people of means who have truly found their treasure in their possessions, those who have mistreated their laborers, those who have oppressed the righteous. God’s Word to these is indeed harsh.

James encourages the church to remain steadfast in the faith, awaiting the coming of the Lord. On this day, all accounts will be settled. The way of faith is to persevere with the steadfastness of Job (v11).

In the meantime, we pray through suffering and sing through joy (v13). We touch the untouchable, the sick and bereaved in our midst (v14-15). And we confess our sins to one another, praying again for healing amid our brokenness (v16). James ends abruptly with a reminder of the role the Christian community plays in the life of her members, reaching out to bring lost ones back into the fold, saving souls from death (v20).

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Posted on June 7, 2012 by Jason

In light of what could be another Heat playoff failure coming to fruition tonight, I thought I’d repost my thoughts from last year on the Demonization of LeBron James. We’re seeing it repeat itself, aren’t we?

Jason's avataralready & not yet

Remember when LeBron James was dubbed the next “Mike”, the next “Magic”?

Remember when that infectious smile and explosive ability had everyone from Nike to Gatorade clamoring for him to represent their product?

Remember kids used to wear his jersey rather than burn them?

What happened?

Well, that’s an easy one. THE DECISION happened. He “took his talents down to South Beach.” That’s what happened. And when he and Bosh and Wade walked out together with all the smoke and pyrotechnics and bravado, NBA fans everywhere recoiled from the once loveable LeBron.

In short, LeBron became the enemy.

What happened this NBA playoffs was the galvanization of the rooting interests of pretty much the entire sporting nation against the Heat. Correction: we weren’t rooting against the Heat per se; we were actively rooting against LeBron. Quick: name one of your sports buddies who was actually hoping the Heat would win…

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James 4

Posted on June 7, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Thursday, June 7: James 4

At one level, James is an economist. He writes in James 4 about an economy of deficiency at work in each of us. The cause of our quarreling and bickering and warring — with ourselves and with others — comes from the deficient places of depravity within. “You desire, but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God,” (v2). James sees many of our problems as a symptom of something much deeper, a yearning for something truly satisfying. We covet because of our inner jealousy; we slander because we measure ourselves to be lacking; we boast about tomorrow’s escapism because we secretly fear today’s poverty. Steeped in the wisdom of Solomon in Ecclesiastes, James turns us toward the source of true life, God Almighty, the one who graciously supplies all things we need, as Peter says, for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). James’ response to all of this is simple and profound: Ask. Ask of God and be amazed at His provision. Sounds eerily similar to the prayer of Jesus: Give us this day our daily bread (Matt. 6).

In asking, we submit ourselves to the economy of God over against the malicious economies of the world and her empires. “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.” (v7-8). Submission to God liberates us from friendship with the world and adulterous commiseration with the devil (v4). James calls us to wide open embrace of God’s promise to rush to us when we seek His nearness.

I can’t help but think of my friend, Corey, when I read James 4.8. Corey has long claimed this verse as his favorite, a source of life and hope amid life’s turbulence. Communion is this: to trust oneself to the God who seeks nearness with His Creation. Like the father in Jesus’ story in Luke 15, God rushes headlong to meet us, even when we are a long way from home. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him,” (Luke 15:20).

May we participate in God’s great economy as those who invest in His life. May we commerce in humility, submission, obedience, and the wisdom that flows from heaven.

May the powers of hell be put on notice: we are the people who seek God, not mammon.

And may we feel the loving embrace and the warm kiss of our Father who makes bold and audacious promises to come near to us as we seek His nearness.

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James 3

Posted on June 6, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Wednesday, June 6: James 3

James continues to teach us the wisdom of God. In chapter 3, he has wise words regarding our speech. Just as a large beast can be controlled by a bit in the mouth, so too are we controlled by our speech. We think and act and live in language. Everything about our being is constituted by the words we learn and deploy. James doesn’t have kind things to say about the tongue: it is “a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.” Obviously, James is using words to make his point, so this is no blanket condemnation of speech. The Gospel comes to us through articulation and we are spiritually formed by the encouragement and rebuke we receive from God — in His Word and by trusted companions along the Way.

Instead, James nudges us toward Gospel-formed speech. Too often, we are “double-tongued”, using our speech to simultaneously bless and curse (v10). We would do well to examine our speech for flippant and careless expression. Slander, gossip, racial slurs, off-color jokes…these are the kinds of things James warns us about.

In the last part of the chapter, James returns to the broader discussion of wisdom, imploring us to seek the wisdom of God, coming down from heaven. Rather than give in to earthy, unspiritual wisdom, we look to the wisdom of God and it’s abundant qualities: “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”

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James 2

Posted on June 5, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Tuesday, June 5: James 2

James helps to fit us with the proper lenses we need to see clearly. This stands behind the command against showing favoritism. Things aren’t always as they seem. “Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?” (v6). We see as God sees, first with regard to ourselves, then others. Though we may seem insignificant in the eyes of the world — lacking in position, power, and prosperity — in God’s view, we are deemed worthy of a kingdom. In turn, we embrace an alternate vision, valuing people — all people: rich, poor, male, female, old, young — as God’s image-bearing creation, worthy of our love (v8), understanding that mercy triumphs over judgment (v13).

This conversation leads to one of James’ more well known positions: the relationship between faith and works. James’ obliterates the notion of a privitized, interior faith detached from the needs of the world. Even the demons give intellectual assent to Christ’s identity. Is not our faith more than this? James answers with an emphatic, “Yes!” “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do,” (v18). Faith is “made complete” (v22) in obedient action. Abraham offers Isaac; Rahab offers hospitality; we offer clothing and bread to the poor. Each of these narratives of faith is inextricably linked by intentional action. This is the work of spiritual formation, the complete work of faith.

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James 1

Posted on June 4, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Monday, June 4: James 1

We now turn to the writing of James, the oldest brother of Jesus. James writes perhaps the most practical letter in the NT, addressed to “the twelve tribes scattered among the nations,” (v1), a reference to the Christians dispersed by the persecution mentioned in Acts 8:1. James understands Christianity not as a “new” religion but as an extension of God’s covenant promises of the Old Covenant finding their ultimate fulfillment in the person of Jesus.

In these circumstances, James begins with an odd statement: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,” (v2). Christians can joyfully endure hardship because this is the narrative that gives meaning to our existence. Jesus Himself “for the joy set before Him endured the cross,” (Heb. 12:2), giving us an example for dealing with our own adversity.

From there, James covers a variety of practical topics: perseverance, wisdom, faith, humility. James understands the Christian life as one fraught with challenges: temptation (v13) and deception (v16) are ever-present. But God is not the source of these. Instead, He stands as “the Father of the heavenly lights,” (v17) imparting gifts, giving us birth through the truth of His holy word (v18).

James reads like a repository of lived-in wisdom. “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” (v19). “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says,” (v22). “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world,” (v27). James advocates proper action and warns against improper action. In situations where anger is the natural reaction, James teaches restraint. When we’re tempted to pop off at the mouth, James puts up the stop sign (v26). But in circumstances that require godly action, James says “Roll up your sleeves and get to work.”  Care for the defenseless — widows and orphans — is the kind of religion that pleases God.

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3 John

Posted on June 4, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Friday, June 1: 3 John

John’s final NT epistle is addressed to an individual, Gaius, a close friend and dear brother to the apostle. John writes to encourage Gaius in his work on behalf of the Gospel. John expresses his pleasure in the good report about Gaius’ health, but more importantly, his continued faithfulness (v2-3). Hospitality emerges as another Kingdom value demonstrated by the covenant community as we assist one another toward our common cause: “We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men that we may work together for the truth,” (v8).

John also writes to condemn the work of Diotrephes, whose malicious behavior is lacking in love. Presumably writing toward the end of his life, John assumes the role of “the elder” (v1), rebuking those who are sowing discord in the Body. This is the work of shepherding, but it is a work that we are all called to participate in (see Jesus in Matt. 18). All of this is rooted in love, the hallmark quality of the Christian church.

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2 John

Posted on June 4, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Thursday, May 31: 2 John

John writes this short epistle with many of his favorite themes in mind: the command to love one another, to live in obedience as an extension of this love, and to remain on guard against those influences that would seek to corrupt the simplicity of the Gospel of Jesus. But John addresses his reader with a tender moniker: “To the chosen lady,” (v1). John understands the gracious choice of God as proof of His self-giving love on our behalf. Remember, this is the same disciple who refers to himself only as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” The idea of being God’s “chosen” has long troubled the people of God. Israel wrestled with their election, believing God had chosen them because they were His favorite, His treasured possession among the nations. Yet, God never intended for Israel to relish this chosen status; instead, His desire was for Israel to be a light to the Gentiles, prompting their understanding of His desire for relationship with them (Isa. 49:6, among other OT texts). Likewise, believers today want to exalt their chosen status as proof of their uber-spirituality. And yet, the Bible is clear: God has made His choice on our behalf in Christ Jesus. Now the choice is ours: will we willfully choose to find life in Christ or will we foolishly seek to find meaning elsewhere?

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1 John 5

Posted on June 4, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Wednesday, May 30: 1 John 5

After establishing the Christian ethic of love born from the character of God, John closes out his epistle on a high note with language of victory and life.

V4-5, “…for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” If he hasn’t made it clear already, John emphasizes faith in Jesus as the only path to victory. The successful life is not contingent upon material wealth or power or any of the usual suspects. Instead, we turn to the crucified Christ, His life ebbing from Him freely as an act of love. By faith, we see the possibilities rendered to us through resurrection. We CAN live as redeemed persons, made whole by our faith in His death and resurrected life. This is victory, powerful enough to overcome the brokenness of our fractured world.

This testimony comes by revelation from God Himself. “We accept man’s testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son,” (v9). Belief brings the Son to us, giving us life, even life eternal (vv11&12). Thus, John writes this epistle for the same reason he wrote his Gospel: that we might believe (v13). The sign of the victorious life is the confidence we have as we approach the throne of God (v14).

We often say that there is no difference in our sins, that they are all the same in the eyes of God. I understand what we mean by that. We mean that all sin separates us from God and we are incapable of rectifying our sinful state on our own, thereby we stand in need of the Gospel. And yet, John seems to distinguish between sins that lead to death and sins that do not. Again, John’s general language is important to keep in mind. The victorious life is characterized by a renunciation of our former practices and an embrace of the new life, liberated by God’s grace.

John closes with a final reminder: Keep yourselves from idols. We would do well to be on guard against those idolatrous forces that will always vie for our allegiance against the claim Christ has made on our hearts.

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1 John 4

Posted on May 30, 2012 by Jason

Reading for Tuesday, May 29: 1 John 4

The NT issues several warnings about false prophets (Matt. 7:15; 24:11; Mark 13:22; 2 Pet. 2:1) and John expresses a similar sentiment to his audience. The Christian response, in light of the abiding Spirit mentioned in 3:24, is to test the Spirits. John’s desire is to purge spiritual gullibility from us, to give us some battle-tested criteria for gauging God-presence in the life of another. These spirits are not to be feared, for he who is in us is greater than he who is in the world (v4).

How do we “test the spirits”? “By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God,” (v2-3). It seems that John is dealing with heretics who are denying the Incarnation. But for John, this is the starting point for his understanding of Gospel (see John 1). The Spirit of God testifies to the person of Jesus Christ. For John, this is an important litmus test.

But John continues to write and leads us to see that the ultimate confession of Christ’s lordship is a life of love. “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” The Incarnation, upon which so much depends for John, stands as the greatest demonstration of God’s love in the world (v9-10). Love, the intrinsic characteristic of God, is made known through the particularities of Jesus: born of a virgin, born in Bethlehem, crucified on a cross, buried in a tomb, raised on the third day. The local demonstrates the universal; the cosmic seen through the particular.

And now, the cosmic, universal love of God is seen and felt and experienced among His resurrection people: “We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit…If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us,” (v13-16). We know and rely on God’s love, because God — in His essence — is love. There is nothing more to say on the matter. His love is the strongest force in the universe, powerful enough to speak planets and stars into existence, mighty enough to breathe life into inanimate soil, strong enough to redeem our brokenness and forgive our sin. In the end, all we can say is that God is love, ultimately and eternally.

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