Of all the books in the Bible, James is my favourite. Probably because it contains such practical, I could even say down to earth guidelines, to help one live right. If you want to know what a Christian should do, if you want to know what your life should look like each day here on earth, then you have to read the book of James.

But, James says himself, it’s not only about reading. Now you have all the knowledge. You know intellectually what is right and what is wrong. Now is the time to do and live it 100%.

James was Jesus’ half-brother, and, together with His other brothers, gave Him a hard time, like brothers do.

However, when Jesus died on the cross, James realised what Jesus had gone through. He was so sad about everything they had done to his brother that he vowed to never eat again.

Fortunately for him, he also came to realise what God’s grace meant when Jesus rose from the dead. How awesome it must have been for James to see his brother alive again and he could start eating again!

This is exactly how James is. He is passionate. When he gets an idea in his head, he leaves no stone unturned to ensure that he will carry out the instructions he received to the letter. That’s why the first words in verse 1 is so appropriate: I, James, am a slave of God and the Master Jesus, … Hello!

James was the head of the young church in Jerusalem. People called him “James the fair” or “James the just”. He was a remarkable man who devoted his whole life to encouraging the young followers of Jesus spread out over the whole world, to remain standing and stay on the right path.

The people who believed in Jesus suffered a lot and James didn’t escape it either. Soldiers caught him and took him to the highest tower of a temple. They threatened him to throw him off the tower if he did not slander Jesus’ name – just like the devil had done with Jesus.

James did not die from the fall and with broken bones and rocks raining down on him as the people continued to try and kill him, he still prayed for them and asked God to forgive them, because they did not know what they were doing …

A remarkable man. An example for you and me. May we also serve the Lord Jesus Christ with everything in us. May we also help others to come with us and follow Him. When someone comes to us, when someone subjects us to spiritual, emotional or even physical rocks, may we forgive them and also ask our Father to forgive them, because they don’t know what they are doing.

May the journey through James be a great blessing to you!

Scripture
James 1:1-8

Reflection
How far will you go for your faith?
Do you serve Jesus with everything in you?
How can you not do it?

Prayer
Father, I must confess that I’m not sure whether I would go as far as James. But I do want to serve You with everything in me. May I remain strong when my faith is tested. May I keep holding onto You forever. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.