James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ . . . Greetings. (James 1:1)
Expanded Passage: James 1:1
Early one morning a man received a phone call that his father had suffered a stroke. He quickly jumped out of bed, put on his clothes, raced out to the car, and nervously made the hour-long trip to the hospital. Not knowing the condition of his father, the only prayer he could muster was to speak God’s name. After uttering this prayer, he glanced over his left shoulder to change lanes and noticed a break in the clouds on the horizon. For a moment, the sun shone through, which reminded him of God’s presence.
James reminded us of God’s presence with a word that may seem just as ordinary as a sunrise: “Greetings.” The Greek root of this word is the same root as for the word rejoice. Rejoicing is the outward expression of the inward disposition created by the gift of the Holy Spirit that is given to all those who put their trust in Christ. As we discuss the value of trials this week, remember that there are no trials that Christ-followers will encounter without God’s presence. As the psalmist wrote, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me . . . Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.” (Ps. 23:4, 6).
Thank God for a time you felt his presence.
TJ Albertson has been pastoring for nineteen years, the last seventeen in interchurch service. He loves teaching the entire Bible and its relevance to life.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
