James and Me, Blessed, Podcast 4
Happy New Year, and thank you for joining my fictional conversation, James and Me. Today, we look at James 1:12.
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I was relieved when James closed our conversation for the week with a Beatitude that concluded our discussion perfectly. What began as joy in trials finalized with the promise of eternal joy.
His opening,
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations” (James 1:2 KJV);
his closing,
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him” (James 1:12 KJV).
Between those bookends, I had learned so much that I needed to get away, reflect, and meditate on all the gems I had garnered.
As we all went our separate ways, we agreed to gather again next week, the Lord willing, of course.
I went down to the seashore to watch the small waves lap against the shore, which reminded me of the constant rhythms of grace experienced as a believer. I am so thankful for this life. Yes, the times were difficult under the Roman regime, but our King was soon arriving. He would come in the clouds; at least, the angels told the Apostles. And I believe it.
Our conversation with the Lord’s half-brother encouraged me even more about living in these troubled times.
I sat on the shore to recount the salient points of the day:
- The authority of a servant, when we discussed doulos
- How a bondservant, as T Austin said, “there could never be any consultation with self.”
- Richard shared about “observing the mirror instead of seeing oneself in it” and asked the personal question, “Is it I to whom it is speaking? It is I about whom it is speaking.”
- J.B.’s insight is not to resent trials as an intruder but to welcome them as friends.
- ASW’s deep point in defining patience is the power of endurance without complaint, which he would later follow up with: "A double-souled man is unstable in all his ways.”
I knew I had just scratched the surface of all we discussed as I reviewed those points, but I also knew the Holy Spirit would bring others back to me at the right time.
Pondering further and engrossed in my thoughts, I failed to see an aged man approaching. His weathered skin told of many days on the boats, fishing, his hands muscled from pulling nets full of fish.
Our eyes met, and there was that kindred spirit James had mentioned in his salutation. There was no need for introductions or customary pleasantries’ we were well beyond that through our confessed faith in Jesus Christ and our love for Him.
His eyes reflected the love of the Lord that I then heard in his voice: “You know what it means to be blessed,” he said. “[It] describes the person who is free from daily cares and worries because his every breath and circumstance is in the hands of His Maker, Who gives him such an assurance.”[1]
With that, he turned and continued his way.
And James’ beatitude became real to me, now knowing why I can blessed in enduring temptations because my every breath and circumstance is in the hands of my Maker.
[1] https://www.preceptaustin.org/james_112#1:12