Devotional: James 5:9-12

by | May 5, 2023 | devotional, James | 0 comments

Devotional: James 5:9-12

Reflection

James 5:9-12

  • (Jas 5:9 ESV) Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.
  • (Jas 5:10 ESV) As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
  • (Jas 5:11 ESV) Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
  • (Jas 5:12 ESV) But above all, my brothers, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath, but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.

Discussion

The purpose of an anchor is to hold something in place.  Like a boat on the water or a picture hung on a wall, there is something behind those things that is designed to keep them right there indefinitely.  When the anchor fails, the unexpected happens.  Your boat drifts to a new and possibly dangerous location.  Your picture falls from the wall and smashes into the floor.

 

Our lives as Christians have a similar anchor: The Word of God.  The Bible should have this same grounding, steadfastness in our lives.  We should plant ourselves in the firm foundation of the Word to hold us in the right place.  Not doing so we find it is easy to drift, easy to fall.

 

Looking at the examples before us, those mentioned in Job, we can find commonality and connection to those who have gone before us in the faith.  In those examples we can find strength to stay planted in the things of God even when the world around us pushes in a different direction.

Connection

What is one portion of Scripture that has brought you great hope?

 

Can you recall a time when your life felt more connected to God through His Word?

 

Can you recall a time when your life felt less connected to God because of a lack of His Word?

 

What is something you have found that helps you to stay anchored in the Word of God?

 

How can you share that help with someone else?

 

Expansion

The Scriptures

The Bible is the inspired Word of God given to His people and revealed by the Holy Spirit.  It is complete and without error in its content and given to individual believers with the intent of instructing them in who God is and transforming their lives according to His will.

Exodus 24:4, 1 Thes 2:13,2 Peter 1:19-21, John 17:13-17, 1 Cor 2:7-15, 1 John 2:20, John 16:12-13, Deuteronomy 4:2, Ps 19:7, Isa 40:8, Matthew 24:35, Luke 21:33, John 10:35, Matthew 5:18, Luke 24:44, Exodus 24:7, Deuteronomy 4:1, Ps 119:9-16, Acts 17:11, 2 Timothy 3:14-17, Hebrews 4:12, Matthew 5:19, Romans 15:4, Colossians 3:16, Romans 16:25-27

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