Proper 18: Epistle, James 2:1-10, 14-18                                   

James 2:1-10, 14-18

James chapter two is wonderful. It has been commandeered by theologians for centuries. In it lies the James “side” of justification. “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17). Luther wasn’t a fan of James, as he thought through much of his life that James smacked of the law. But thanks be to God, a strong Lutheran sense has brought James and Romans together, where they are two sides of the same coin. Justification in relation to God is by faith, and faith alone. Justification is seen in life, before men by the works justification gives us to accomplish (Ephesians 2:10).

And I think it is important for us to see that the declaration about living works of faith is in close proximity to the apostle’s teaching on impartiality. To whom are the works of God in the believer’s life aimed? At everyone. No one is too good or too bad. No one is outside the scope of being a receiver of the love of God through neighbor-works.There are no “pedestal riders” and no “back rowers.” And it is that way so that everyone may gaze, not at the human instruments of God’s working, but at the God who gives them His works.

Our Old Testament reading this week pointed to the fact that God is always coming to His people. And this is one of His principal methods. “Let your light so shine before men that they may see …”