James 1:1

"A servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered abroad [among the Gentiles in the dispersion]: Greetings (rejoice)!" James 1:1

Amplified Translation... all the way through the study.

Who are we? What is important of ourselves that others should know about early on in our communications? How would our lives change, if we let everybody we came into contact with, know right up front... "Oh, by the way, I am a servant of God". (I mean, it's just a matter of time before they find out anyway)... but, just think... how different it would be if someone who thought you might have been a person they could sleep with tonight, knew who you were "in Christ". They may be less likely to try and lead you on. Or, if someone with a serious question about their eternal fate, would know they could get an answer from us... someone spreading a bad joke around the office, might go on to the next work-station... How different it could be if we, like James, just put it right out there... right up front... right away! Amen?

Jame's reference to the 12 tribes in this verse, is to the Jewish people of whom he himself was. These were a people (as you know) whom, until these writings were put together, were raised up through life with the OT teachings. Old... not because the teachings did not apply to a more modern day Jew... not because the teachings just weren't keeping up with the changing times... no. God had a New Covenant for man and with it a new set of plans and teachings. How strange and suspicious these new teaching must have been for them. They did not understand the words of the prophet...

"But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel: After those days, says the Lord, I will put My law within them, and on their hearts will I write it; and I will be their God, and they will be My people." Jeremiah 31:33

When the very one whom they were waiting for (Jesus) arrives on the scene, He starts teaching about works as a "fruit"... as those Godly acts that arise out of a heart motivated by God's love, and its absence from the soul is an indication of a lack of true faith in Him.

"But if anyone has this world's goods (resources for sustaining life) and sees his brother and fellow believer in need, yet closes his heart of compassion against him, how can the love of God live and remain in him?" 1 John 3:17

I think about how strange and suspicious these teachings must be to many people, even today. Besides the still strong hold there is in religious ranks, to OT teachings... we add to it all the world's teachings... self help, empowerment seminars, dress for success... the list goes on. This is why I have prayed and asked so many others to pray for these studies we are going through... that we will be changed... that we will share... and that many will come into a loving relationship with Christ Jesus. Amen? To all of you... Greetings, from James and Jesus.

Let's pick up with James verses 1:2-3 next time.


I love you.