If James Can Get There, So Can We!
Can you imagine growing up as a half sibling to Jesus Christ? Oh, the pressure!!!!!
At first glance, this verse can be a bit confusing since James started out as a staunch denier of Jesus Christ being the long awaited Savior of the world. In true sibling fashion, he, along with his other family members, took their denial to the next level when they decided that Jesus had lost His marbles. In Mark 3:21 James and his other siblings along with Momma Bear concluded that Jesus was out of His mind. They set about to collect Him and no doubt give Him quite the scolding.
As much as it pains me to admit, I relate to this side of James rather than the sold-out servant side that this opening verse describes. I can totally see myself as the rebel family member on a misguided mission.
In James' defense, the coming Lord and Savior the Pharisees believed and taught about was much different than the likes of Jesus. Instead of the earthly ruler and king they expected, Jesus was a servant king who dedicated His life to and for others.
Friends, I can see myself in the same place as the young James. I get so caught up in who I think God should be that I fail to see who He really is and what He can do.
James went from denying Jesus Christ as his Savior to being totally and completely sold-out to Him. Friend, I pray that gives you the same amount of hope it gives me. This transition did not take place overnight. James made a conscious decision to seek the truth about Jesus and to relearn all of the false beliefs he had held. We can take comfort in knowing that if James can get there…we can get there!
I am a deeply flawed human who messes up every day, multiple times a day. But, I don’t have to stay that way! And whatever stage you are in today, you don’t have to stay there either! Let’s move forward together in Christ’s plan for us!
Heavenly Father, as we dig into the Word and discover who Jesus Christ is, my prayer is that we find ourselves to be a sold out slave to You just as James declares and demonstrates himself to be.
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