James…… to the twelve tribes in the dispersion
James 1:1
The Apostle James outlines various conditions in his epistle that believers may face and a right response to them. These dispersed believers are living outside of the community that had been birthed and developed in( Acts chapter two) up to the time of Stephen’s persecution. Following Stephen’s death we learn the church in Jerusalem suffered great persecution and believers scattered while the apostles stayed in Jerusalem.
It is believed that this letter from the Apostle James was the first of the New Testament writings. As the overseer of ‘the church’ in Jerusalem, there would be a desire to make sure these scattered saints where continuing in the apostles doctrine, daily prayers, communion and fellowship. To that end, his epistle is filled with practical and insightful words of truth and wisdom designed to lead all the readers into right living in the midst of varying cultures.
James begins the letter with an encouragement to remain joyful under the trials and tribulations they are now and will continue to be facing in these new environments without the same ongoing support of their Christian community and apostolic oversight. As we move through all the words that are profitable for instruction and correction, we come to his final admonitions in chapter five.
There, he exhorts them to be patient until the coming of the Lord. They were all obviously looking for his return, and the danger of growing weary in well doing must have been foremost as James writes; ‘Establish your hearts and remain steadfast for the coming of the Lord is at hand’.
James concludes his letter with a series of questions and answers by
Are you suffering? Let him pray.
Are you cheerful? Let him sing praise.
“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord and the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick and the Lord will raise him up and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed, the fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
With these very words James has established a foundation that the church has built upon through the ages.
Praying at all times, in all circumstances with the ability to rejoice through them all, was key within the early believers. Dealing with the same thoughts and feelings we experience today, James’ words still provide, when embraced and practiced, the same strength and help.
We have a promise from Our Father, as James writes inspired by the Holy Spirit,
“the fervent effectual prayer of a righteous man avails much” that I would like to take the next few Good Words and explore with you.