Reading Other People’s Mail: James – Day 5
Day 5 – Read James 5
If you missed a previous day you can find them via these links: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4.
A Word for the Wealthy
It might be hard for us to understand why James is so hard on wealthy people. James’s primary audience is Jewish Christians. Poverty must have been a huge issue for the largest portion of the Jewish church. It was such a significant issue that the Apostle Paul took up offerings in the Gentile churches as “a ministry to the saints” in Jerusalem (Romans 15:25-26; 1 Corinthians 9:8; 1 Corinthians 16:1). The gentile churches were by no means wealthy. Most of them were poor, but the poverty in Jerusalem was so great that Paul felt compelled to help.
Obviously, the wealthy people in the Jewish churches did not feel as compelled to help. They kept their treasure to themselves while their brothers and sisters were suffering (James 5:2-3). James reminds them that earthly treasures never last and that much of their treasure came from the suffering of others.
This may seem harsh, but when we have more than we need, and neglect to share it liberally, we also are taking advantage of others. We are ignoring other people in their poverty (James 5:5).
What would you say to God based on your reading today? Take some time to talk to God in prayer.
A Word for Those Who are Suffering
God knows! God knows what we go through. He sees everything that happens—every heartache, every tear, every hurt, and every pain. His people have always endured some level of suffering (James 5:10).
James encourages his readers and now us to be patient, to trust God and to remain steadfast even in the midst of suffering. Job is a great example (James 5:11). God sees it all and is companionate and merciful.
Faith is in Prayer
Prayer is a wonderful way of accessing God’s presence and God’s power. Prayer is also an act of faith. It may seem too simple or even cliché, but prayer works. When suffering is present, prayer takes us into His presence! If sickness is your reality, then call on the body of Christ to come and pray. Is there sin? Pray! (James 5:13-18)
When God’s people pray, God acts! James, whose whole focus has been the pursuit of righteous living says, “the prayer of a righteous person has great power.” Righteousness is not an end result. It is a journey that will one day be true in heaven. People on the journey of righteousness pray. James says that “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours” (James 5:17). Otherwise as, he was normal. The only thing not normal about his was his pursuit of God, his desire to honor Him, and his heart of prayer. When no one else was praying, Elijah was.
Most people complain. Righteous people pray!
Pluck People from the Gates of Hell
James ends his letter by telling his readers to help those who have wandered away from the truth (James 5:19). Great things happen when faith-filled people help weary wanders turn from sin and death. The British missionary C.T. Studd said, “Some want to live within the sound of church or chapel bell; I want to run a rescue shop, Within a yard of hell.” There’s nothing wrong with the church and the chapel, but people will never experience them, much less heaven, apart from rescue workers.
Application:
The constant pursuit of comfort and more stuff takes a lot of energy. In addition, the dangers of wealth can cause of to become blind to the needs of others. Both the rich and the poor need to be cautious and keep in mind the “mind-numbing effects of wealth[1].” Remember, everything you have is God’s. Be generous.
If you don’t have much or are going through a time of suffering, then know that God knows. He sees it all. Be patient. Be steadfast. And Pray!
What role does prayer play in your life? Why is it sometimes hard to pray?- What does patience in the midst of suffering look like?
- Is there someone who is wandering, so to speak, that you can reach out to?
Consider writing down a key verse or verses from today on an index card or small piece of paper and carry it with you today. Look at it as often as you can as a reminder of what we learned today.
Possible Verses: James 5:7; James 5:8; James 5:13-14; James 5:19-20
