Devotional - February 1, 2023

James 2: 25-26  In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?  As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

Simply put, the Jerusalem church had an issue with talking the talk, but not walking the walk.  James spent twelve verses specifically on this topic, faith without deeds.  Notice also how James pulls from his knowledge of the Old Testament (OT).  We may casually acknowledge it, but remember, James did not have a Bible.  He knew the account of Abraham because he listened and learned it (memorized it) from the rabbi at his synagogue.  His faith in God was emboldened by the stories he heard at synagogue and Torah study.  Most of us can recall a thing or two from the OT.  At the very least, we can recall the high points of the stories.  But the question remains, what does it mean to us?  Especially when the person being highlighted is Rahab.  Is there any particular reason why James would pick her?  Well, there are a few reasons.  One, we are dealing with a New Testament (Covenant) church.  A church united in Christ (Gal 3:28).  Rahab plays a crucial role in the emerging identity of the church.  She was not a Jew, but her faith in God saved her and her family from the demise of Jericho (Joshua 2, 5:13-6:27, Heb 11:31). Not only was she not Jewish, she was a prostitute.  You do not have to be perfect, or even of the faith, to have a relationship with God.  God leads us through many seasons and changes as we continue to grow in Christ (Titus 2:11, Phil 3: 13-14).  Our focus always being on Christ, not our shortcomings (Heb 12:2).  James is saying, the church should be alive (Ephesians 2: 4-6), doing the works (deeds) of Christ, being transformed into the image of Christ (2 Cor 3:18).  Church should not be an event marked on the calendar as something to attend.  One should not leave the same way they came (James 1:23). 

Pay with me..., Holy God with all that is going on in our life, we confess that church can become one of the many things we do.  It loses its meaning amidst all that is going on.  Revive us Lord, remind us of who You are.  And know Lord, we are truly thankful for all You have given us.  Hear our prayers for our loved ones, bless them according to their needs.  Bless our church Lord, so we can be the people you call us to be.  In Jesus name, Amen

God peace,

Pastor Brian