…but god James 2: 11-13
Transcript
“For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but do murder, you have become a violator of the Law. So speak, and so act, as those who are to be judged by the law of freedom. For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.”
James 2:11-13 NASB2020
As a historian I read and learn so much. If I don’t teach a subject a lot of what I learn I tend to forget. As the adage goes “Use it or lose it.” I have not taught Roman History in 5 years. Therefore, some of my Roman History is in need refreshing. My mom refreshed my memory regarding the Roman world which might shed more light on the context of James 2.
“Rome didn't have police patrolling the streets & soldiers weren't allowed to enter a Roman city bearing arms. So how was the peace of the community kept? People defended themselves & if you had been robbed or wronged in any way you could get a lawyer/orator & make your case against the perpetrator before a judge. Of course this would take time & money. So only the wealthy had any hope of getting justice.” She then went on to explain; “This passage in James made so much more sense to me when I read this. It's not that the wealthy were evil, it was just that they were the only ones who could afford to bring a case to court.” This was usually against a Jew or then later a Christian.
This is what the occupied had to endure. Therefore, it was easy to hate the rich who were usually Roman or worked for the Romans and therefore did not follow The Law of the Prophets.
However, James reiterates the words of Jesus that He spoke at the Sermon on The Mount! “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”
Matthew 5:7-9 NASB2020
Let me remind y’all of the definition of Mercy. It is more than forgiveness, the Oxford dictionary defines mercy with these words “compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.” Mercy is giving up our rights to punish or harm others. James is speaking to both the rich and the poor, the Jewish convert as well as the Roman and other Gentile converts. God has shown us mercy, we are sinful and we can’t follow the law and He could send us all to Hell. But God, loves us so much that He decided not to punish or harm us. All we have to do is accept His free gift of Grace, which is Christ and His death on the cross, His resurrection and ascension. This is grace and mercy. This is the way we are called to act towards others. This is the perfect love that casts out all sin. If we love like this, forgive like this, it is His love that can and will save the world. When all seems lost that is when we see the: “But God” moments.
Merciful and gracious Lord, help us to love like you and thus forgive like you and be merciful like you. Let your perfect Love shine through us so others may know your eternal forgiveness and mercy. We pray these things in Jesus Name Amen…
Shalom, Shalom blessings! Press In and Press On!
Hosted by Chad McBeam
