God is good . . . all the time. (last of James)

God is good . . . all the time.  James 5.13 – 20.

James concludes his letter discussing the power of prayer, and prompting believers to go after those who have walked away from the truths of God.  Take a look:

“Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.  Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

 Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.  Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

 My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

We-underestimate-the-power-of-the-prayer-of-a-faith-full-person.  Why?  Is it because we fail to recognize the might of our God?  James uses the example of Elijah, who asked God to shut down the false prophet Ba'al by demonstration. (from 1 Kings 17 and 18).   Elijah asked in faith, and God answered--first, with no rain, and then a downpour of RAIN!  I wonder . . . for what have you failed to ask God?  James said earlier, “You do not have, because you do not ask God.”James 4.2  And, why don’t you ask?  Do you remember what Jesus said?  “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7.7  God wants to answer your prayers; he loves you.

I had a friend when I was in my late 20s who believed he could only count on 'X' number of prayers being answered, so he was careful how he used them. He used one of his precious prayers on me once . . . ‘sweet . . . but kinda' messed up theology.  You and I don't serve a God who keeps score . . . thank goodness!  He does not have tally marks next to your name or mine, nor is he about to 'cut us off' from the supply line of his power.  

In verses 19 and 20, the concluding verses of James, he advises Christians to go after those who have fallen away from the faith . . . those who have been misled . . . and what I love about this, is James' comment that 'whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.' Once again, we encounter the God of second chances, the God who truly does forgive and forget.  I think of the age in which we live that is permeated with the notion that 'if you're good enough, you'll go to heaven,' and 'if you're truly sincere, well, that must count for something!'  And ‘be a little more open-minded, come on, some of this eastern thinking is good . . .' and 'hey, all spirituality is good . . .'  Christians, folks are being deluded and the truth diluted, and it is dangerous!  Be sure that you are seeking after truth—God’s truth, biblical truth.  Know what you believe; test the Scriptures.  And, when someone disappears from the radar . . . care enough to reach out to them…  lovingly reach out to those who have 'exchanged the truth of God for a lie.' Romans 1

This is a 'wrap' on James . . . the little book that packs a big punch, written by the brother of our Lord.  I heard it said that James is Christianity with its sleeves rolled up.  It is the working person's practical guide to living the Christian faith.  It spells out what it means to follow Jesus day by day, and emphasizes faith in action.  Right living is the evidence AND also the result of faith. We, the church, must serve with mercy (compassion), speak lovingly and truthfully, and live in obedience to God's commands, while loving one another.  If we truly believe God's Word, we will endeavor to live it day by day. God's Word is not merely something we read or think about, but something we do.  Truly, James is chalk-full of practical wisdom for living.

God is good . . . all the time.

Grace and peace to you,

Christine

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