Thursday, March 1, 2012
Scripture reading: The Epistle of James 1:12-18
What is there to say about the
Epistle of James? It’s canonized scripture written as New Testament Wisdom Literature
and, like most Lutherans, I don’t care for it. Once upon a time ago, I
considered it the magnum opus of the New Testament; so, why the change of mind?
The Doctrine of Grace and Sola fide (by
faith alone) challenge this text.
Arguably, there may be redeeming
qualities in this work that Luther called, “an epistle of straw.” According to
Luther, “St. James’ epistle is really an epistle of straw…for
it has nothing of the nature of the gospel about it.” The fact that the author
of the book of James says we are not justified (Gk: dikaioō) by faith alone
is disputable (the epistle is Antilegomena).
Disputation aside, I read with you, and exegesis has pulled redemption from
this text.
“Every
generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from
the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change”
(1:17). The author’s attribution of God being the giver of all things is sound.
Our pericope encourages perseverance amidst trials (1:12). It’s a proclamation of
hope (albeit, a weird one, with that crown of life business). God is not
tempting us that is the sinful nature, which has bonded the human will (vv.
13-16). Grace is the work of God (v. 17). Our justification was his purpose
(v.18).
Unlike this epistle, the Gospel
of Jesus Christ points to the work of God through the grace of the cross. In
faith alone believe that we are justified (saved) by grace alone, through the
work of Christ alone, and that glory is to God alone; according to scripture
alone (adaptation of the Five Solas).
James (whichever one he may be) composed a disputable epistle, but it’s not
always easy to reconcile with the word of God (biblical text). May the Lord be
gracious to us as we debate the difficult parts of the word.
Holy and Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; for those who love
the work of James, may you bless them through it and for others, like me, who
refute the words of James, reveal their redemptive purpose, and be gracious to
us. Sometimes, the words of your scriptures can be difficult, when that occurs,
give us discernment, wisdom, and humility. May we reside in the grace of your
cross and know that you are the Lord, our God. You are revealed in Christ and,
yet, you are mysterious. We are humbled at the foot of your cross. Amen.
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