James 1:16-27 - It's easy to take this passage of James (an indeed his entire letter) and come away with some wise and helpful tips for living. But that would do a disservice to the depth of his thought. For example, James instructs us to be slow to speak and quick to hear. This is of course great advice, but for James this is the connection to "every good and perfect gift from God." Our life comes from God's Word, so be quiet and listen. Only in hearing what God has to say can our tongues produce anything good. What at first sounds like general rules for living is in fact an invitation to receive the grace of God.
1 Peter 2:18-25 - The powerful message of this text is even more meaningful when we consider Peter's initial reaction to the cross. When Jesus explains to the disciples that he must suffer and die, Peter steps up and says, "No!" Years later, writing this letter to fellow Christians who are suffering, Peter affirms the necessity of the cross, and even the necessity of suffering for God's people. This is not some ideal we can just claim intellectually. Like Peter God is forming us through faith to accept such things trusting in the resurrection of Jesus.
It sure is hard to be quick to hear!!! So much easier to be quick to speak.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Ryan.