A Slave of God; James

May the mumbling commence!

When reading the letter of the New Testament, it is far too easy to bypass the first verse or so.  It is often the introductory portion of the letter.  But, have you ever paused to consider how you introduce yourself to others?  Read the first verse of James (NLT):

This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is written to Jewish Christians scattered among the nations. Greetings!

How willing would you to announce yourself as a slave of God?  Other translations have the Greek word translated as “servant” or “bond-servant”.  But the Greek word means literally slave…  Even in Eugene Peterson’s The Message paraphrase the word is translated slave.  Can we be comfortable with that word – slave.

Slaves depend on their masters for their food and drink.  Slaves depend upon their masters for totally defining their lives.  Slaves are property of their masters.  Slaves are vulnerable to their masters.

Too often, we like to be in control – or at least think we are.  Control is an illusion.  I need a master.  So do you.

And what better master is there than the Master of All – God, Our Creator.  There is no better master.  Do not waste your time looking for one.

Like James, let’s boldly proclaim that we are the property of God – bought and paid for through the life and death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  I depend on the Lord to sustain me.  I depend on the Lord to define my life.

And trust in the Lord is never misplaced.

Enough mumbling for now…

Peace Out