…but god James 2: 24-26
Transcript
“You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. In the same way, was Rahab the prostitute not justified by works also when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.”
James 2:24-26 NASB2020
James gives the example of Rahab and her actions. Yes she was a sinner as a prostitute, but God used her to help the Israelites win victory over their enemies in Jericho. She feared God, therefore she took action and her actions saved not only her family but also gave Israel victory.
“Now before the spies lay down, she came up to them on the roof, and said to the men, “I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land have despaired because of you. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. When we heard these reports, our hearts melted and no courage remained in anyone any longer because of you; for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth below. Now then, please swear to me by the Lord, since I have dealt kindly with you, that you also will deal kindly with my father’s household, and give me a pledge of truth, and spare my father and my mother, and my brothers and my sisters, and all who belong to them, and save our lives from death.” So the men said to her, “Our life for yours if you do not tell this business of ours; and it shall come about when the Lord gives us the land that we will deal kindly and faithfully with you.”
Joshua 2:8-14 NASB2020
(The rest of the story in Joshua is compelling. I would encourage you to read it).
Thus In Verse 26 James makes the connection between faith and works and the body and spirit. Concluding a follower of Christ must continually be working as a witness for Christ, otherwise we are dead and useless. If we hear God telling us to do something we must listen just like Rahab. She risked her life because she feared the Lord. We too must fear the Lord! Just like Rehab, my greatest fear is that my friends and family will not know the love of Christ and His saving Grace. If that is the case, should I not DO all that I can to share the gospel message through my actions as well as my words with them? Let us do what God calls us to do. Go, Love, Serve and Baptize; this is what Jesus asks of us and this is the way The Gospel of Christ is spread.
Lord give us strength and peace to be humbly serve you by serving others through both our actions and deeds. Help us to risk it all to save others just like you. Let us rely on your Holy Spirit to get in the game and make a difference for your Kingdom. In Jesus Name Amen…
Shalom, Shalom Blessings. Press in and Press on!
Hosted by Chad McBeam
