James 2
Scripture: Verse 21
Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?
Observation
Here, James talks about the partnership of faith and good deeds. He uses Abraham as an example, because his faith and his actions worked together.
Reflection
When I think of what God asked of Abraham, it just sends chills down my spine because I know that I probably do not have the faith to do what he [almost] did. Because our church is nearing its launch, something I’ve been asking myself lately is this: Over the last year and a half, how much real change has taken place in my lifestyle? How much have I really given up to make this happen? It doesn’t upset me because I know that I have given a lot, but I certainly haven’t given up everything I was holding onto. God asked Abraham to let go of the one thing that mattered most to him, the most special blessing God had ever given him. I think if I was in Abraham’s place, I definitely would have talked my way out of it, finding some reason that it was just impossible. But God is asking me as a believer to lay literally everything on the line for Him. He wants my actions to match my faith, and for my faith to grow. God has taught me this week that He won’t ever ask me to do something impossible, and that the blessings for letting go of something I’d like to hold onto are huge! Why not trust Him and give up everything? He always has my best interest in heart.
Prayer
Lord, help me to worship You with open hands, holding onto nothing. Show me what You want me to let go of, be it a grudge, a relationship, my pride, physical possessions. Help me to make You my first priority always. I don’t want to get to the end of my life and regret not living fully for You. I want to please You with everything I do. Give me the strength I need to follow You, and I will try my hardest to keep up.
