James, chapter 5

Praise the LORD God. Father God, we ask that You open the eyes of our understanding to be aligned to your heart as we read the Word in the name of Jesus, Amen. Thank you LORD.

In the final chapter of James, we are reminded of a practical ways of walking the Christian faith. The Apostle James warns the rich that they are about to mourn (James 5:1). I believe God is not against prosperity because it is God's will for His children to prosper in all things (3 John 2) but I believe He is against prosperity having your heart. It is also possible to not be rich but have money as an idol especially if it is all you think and talk about. Jesus said in the gospels, you cannot serve God and serve mammon (Luke 16:13).

I believe the Spirit of the LORD through the Apostle James is speaking of a right estimation of oneself that is not based on your money, status, clothing, lifestyle but living a life that aligns with who you are in Christ. Christ is the true and only identity of a child of God in whom is found the true riches and treasure. To the rich who have condemned, concealed the wages of labourers and murdered the just, judgment awaits them (James 5:4-6).

In this chapter, we also see an encouragement for believers to exercise patience. James 5:8 (NKJV) says. "You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand." Thankfully, patience which is in other translations known as long suffering is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) meaning we can receive grace and help from our Helper, the Holy Spirit (John 14:16) as we await the coming of the Lord. As we patiently await the coming of the LORD, we are encouraged to endure and persevere keeping the end in mind. This end is knowing that God will always be faithful and that the LORD God is very compassionate and merciful (James 5:11).

The LORD God promises in Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV), "But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." - AMEN.

As this chapter ends, I am humbled by the emphasis on the unity as the body of Christ and the power of prayer and praise The Holy Spirit reminds believers to pray if any of them is cheerful, let them sing psalms (James 5:13). If any of the believers is suffering, sick, let them pray and to confess their trespasses to one another (James 5:13-16). James 5:16 tells us that the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much and we are reminded of Elijah, the man of God who prayed that it would not rain on the earth for three years and six months and it was so (James 5:16-17). Again, we see the transforming power of a united family of believers to make sure that none is turned away from the truth of God's Word by partnering with Jesus to leave the ninety nine and go find the one who is lost (Luke 15:7).

I'll end with this Word found in James 5:19-20 (NKJV)

19. "Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back,

20. let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins."

Invitation to salvation: If you would like to receive Jesus and be born again into God's Kingdom, that is saved and have a personal relationship with God as Your Father and you as His child by receiving His Son, Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life, I invite you to say this confession:

"I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that; Jesus Christ, the Son of God came in a human body to die for my sins so that I could have a new life where I am dead to sin and alive to God. I repent of my past sins and enter the Kingdom of light where I choose relationship with Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour and with God as my loving Father today and forever." AMEN.

GLORY TO GOD, You are now a new creation in Christ Jesus! In case you have not already, please read the book of James alongide this sharing. God's Word is truly a blessing.