Wednesday
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
(James 3:13-18, NIV)
Another major leader in the First Century church is James, the brother of Jesus. Although he did not initially believe Jesus was the Messiah and challenged his claims (John 7:2-5), James became a believer when he saw the resurrected Jesus and he subsequently emerged as a prominent leader in the church in Jerusalem. The Apostle Paul refers to James as a “pillar” of the church (Galatians 2:9) and Luke records James’ critical role as a mediator during the debate at the Jerusalem council over whether or not non-Jewish Christians must observe certain Jewish practices required by Mosaic law (Acts 15:3-21).
The letter by James is written to a Jewish audience and is one of the earliest of all New Testament writings. James’ letter shows his great familiarity with Jesus’ teaching and its central concern is the vital link between faith and how one acts. James persuasively argues that “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (2:17).
Today’s verses contain James’ teaching about two kinds of wisdom, “earthly wisdom” and “wisdom that comes from heaven.” In ways that would be very familiar to his Jewish readers, James describes the relationship between God’s wisdom and shalom. He then links shalom to the “harvest of righteousness,” a link that reminds us of Isaiah’s prophecies. To Jesus’ brother, living in peace results in creating conditions of justice. But James also warns believers to be patient: “See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the fall and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near” (5:7b-8). James’ message is clear: Be an obedient peace planter and trust that God will bring a harvest of justice, as he promised.
Prayer
God of wisdom, give us the gift of “heavenly wisdom,” not self-serving wisdom that lacks humility and creates disorder. Enable us to be peacemakers who sow with a confidence that our work is not in vain. Amen.