James 1:1
"James, a bond servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad, greetings."
There are four men named James found in the gospels: The father of of Judas the disciple (not Iscariot), the son of Alphaeus (the disciple often called James the Lesser), James the brother of John and son of Zebedee, and James the brother of Jesus our Lord. Matthew 13:55 lists some of Jesus' brothers, James is one of them. Tradition has it that James the brother of Jesus writes this epistle.
The first verse contains treasure:
There are four men named James found in the gospels: The father of of Judas the disciple (not Iscariot), the son of Alphaeus (the disciple often called James the Lesser), James the brother of John and son of Zebedee, and James the brother of Jesus our Lord. Matthew 13:55 lists some of Jesus' brothers, James is one of them. Tradition has it that James the brother of Jesus writes this epistle.
The first verse contains treasure:
- James calls himself the bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
- James tells us that he is writing to the twelve tribes, dispersed abroad.
- How can we be bond-servants, or slaves, to the One who sets us free? Is that what freedom is for, to give away? If this James is the brother of Christ, why not focus on that title, instead of the bond-servant title? Would we rather focus on our accolades and honors than the fact that we have given it all away to serve the Lord Most High?
- His message is intended for the twelve tribes - the Hebrew people - that are spread abroad - no longer in the land that God promised them. What would you say to a people who are afraid to live in their own land? Do we care when we see someone running from the promise God has given? What do we do to help them find the light? What if they are of another religion? race? How does James hope to tell them about Christ?
I loved reading James this morning and being reminded of who we are in Christ. I love that we are reminded to take care of widows and orphans in their distress.
Reply to this
The term "bond servant" always gives me pause (Paul also identifies himself as a bondservant of Christ). The concept of a bondservant is foreign to our culture in America - a country that strives for individual rights and freedoms. James considers himself bought, owned and ruled by Christ. "You are not your own. For you have been bought with a price" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Do I consistently remember that I am not my own?
Reply to this