Thursday, June 29, 2023  

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Today’s Scripture Reading 
James 1:1–18

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.

My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you. But ask in faith, never doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind; for the doubter, being double-minded and unstable in every way, must not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Let the believer who is lowly boast in being raised up, and the rich in being brought low, because the rich will disappear like a flower in the field. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the field; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. It is the same way with the rich; in the midst of a busy life, they will wither away. Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

No one, when tempted, should say, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one. But one is tempted by one’s own desire, being lured and enticed by it; then, when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death. Do not be deceived, my beloved. 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. In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures. (NRSV)

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Reflection
In this scripture passage, James is writing to early Christians who are scattered outside of Israel and are experiencing economic and social hardship.

His addressing the twelve tribes brings to mind the twelve sons of Jacob, who went on to form the twelve tribes of the nation of Israel, and who were the children of the promise given to Abraham.

James’ letter serves as a buttress against their flagging morale and their doubts. He reminds the readers that they belong to God and that all things come through God. James advises them to ask for wisdom, and God will answer the faithful ones. James tells them to consider their tribulations to be gifts from God because endurance is born out of faithful perseverance, and endurance leads to wholeness.

The words endurance and wholeness resonate with me as I mourn my mother’s recent passing. She had endured so much in her last years but always had been a person of great faith. Even as I grieve, I rejoice that she is with God and whole again. Death isn’t an ending but a beginning, the soul’s new way of being, a freeing cycle of renewal born out of faith and Christ’s sacrifice.

Finally, in verse 18, James likens the twelve sons to be the “first fruits” of God’s creation; fulfilling God’s purpose on earth and serving as a blessing to all humankind.

In the Old Testament, the first yield of harvest was given to God in thanks and to bear witness to the people’s faith that God-given abundance would follow the first yield.
What an affirming cycle of faith, prosperity, and renewal.

All good things come from God. Let us continue the work of Jacob’s sons and each of us be a blessing to all.

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Prayer
Creator God, my source of abundance and renewal, help me navigate my trials with steadfast faith in you. Amen.

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Written by Holly O'Mara, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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