James 1 - 9.25.25
SCRIPTURE: James 1:2-4 Patient endurance in trials.
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
OBSERVATION
James is the author of the book of James. Jesus had four “half” brothers—James, Joses, Simon, and Jude. The oldest of these, James, eventually became the leader of the Jesus movement in Jerusalem and was murdered by the high priest about the year AD 62.
The chapter begins with James, stating that he is a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ when he writes the words of Jesus. And it is more meaningful, knowing that this James was the half-brother of Jesus which makes his self-introduction all the more significant. He did not proclaim himself “the brother of Jesus” but only a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus was more than James’ brother; more importantly, Jesus was his Lord. Shows James humble nature.
James regarded trials as inevitable. He said when, not if you fall into various trials. At the same time trials are occasions for joy, not discouraged resignation. We can count it all joy in the midst of trials because they are used to produce patience. Patience describes a frame of mind which endures: passive waiting but an active endurance.
Patient endurance is a mark of the person who is perfect and complete, lacking nothing. This is why James exhorted us to count it all joy. Counting it all joy is faith’s response to a time of trial.
APPLICATION
Trials can prove a wonderful work of God in us and we feel the power of faith in Him. And trials are an occasion for joy, not discouraged resignation. Knowing that the testing of our faith produces patience and that is the way we receive the wisdom needed by learning from our trials through Faith in Him. If trials do not produce faith, what does? Romans 10:17 tells us: “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. “ Supernaturally, faith is built in us as we hear, understand, and trust in God’s word.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I have tears thinking about your “big brother”, James, who grew up with you, and because he knew you, his humble nature was on fire for you to carry your word until the day he died. I can only imagine the love (and fun, teasing, challenges) you had for one another seeing each other every day for thirty years. And then for James to see the suffering and persecution of what his “older brother” and savior went through for us is unbearable and unspeakably humbling. And James gave his life for his “brother” and savior, in return. I am so blessed to have my three sons—and one daughter, she’s the oldest—and had to put up with all their shenanigans. So I know how brothers are and how they would be there in a heartbeat to help one another in times of trouble…but to picture you Jesus as a son and a brother, fills my heart with unspeakable Joy. And to know of what you did as the Savior for our/my salvation is even more glorious and truly humbling. Thank you, Jesus, for YOU and those who loved you and wrote your WORD. It is beyond words that I THANK YOU, for all you’ve done and went through for us as the promised Messiah. I CHOOSE to count it all joy in the various trials I face and will face, knowing that the testing of my faith WILL produce patience/perseverance/endurance. AND even more—I thank you Jesus, that when you rose again YOUR HOLY SPIRIT is ALWAYS with us. Lord, let me be your bondservant and bring others to know you. And I pray this for my family and my friends, to turn to you EVERY DAY, AMEN.
- Charleen Zakarian
