Greetings!
The people to whom James was writing were tempted to look backwards. In the past, they had seen Jesus. In the past they had seen miracles and healings and thousands fed and cheering crowds. In the past there was a resurrection.
That was all in the past.
The present is filled with persecution and fear and conflict.
James' task, as leader of the church in Jerusalem, is to help them look to the future. To look, not with fear, but with opportunity.
There is always a temptation to look backwards. Churches are especially tempted toward this. We must always remember the past, build on it. But we are called to live in the present, and move forward.
For James, this meant learning to live like Jesus. And learning to live in community, with one another. And to keep focused on mission.
That sounds like a great idea.
Grace and peace,
Mike
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