First Sunday in Lent: Epistle, James 1:12-18                    

James 1:12-18

James is one of those epistles that we don’t see referenced as regularly as say, Romans or Ephesians. Now it’s always there in our Bibles and we all can reference it whenever we like (how blessed we are). But in our reading this week we have a reminder of the very character of God. Some encounter James as the half-brother of our Lord. Luther, the other reformers and many throughout church history have also considered James to be a close relative, perhaps a cousin, as the actual term for “brother” in the Greek language allows. Either way, someone extremely close to our Lord reminds us that our God is a gift-giver. Read the words again:

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” (1:17)

Every good and perfect gift is from above. Now that includes all the wonderful things that we receive as good on the surface. But I think in the context, James would be pointing us to not only those most obvious good things, but also those that sometimes stretch our faith. Even those things that may put us in the position of asking, “Why me?”

God, our God is good and all that He allows into our lives has a mark of that “signature” goodness upon it. Why? Because God loves His children. Perfectly. Infinitely. And God is love (cf. 1 John 4:8). This is the One who continually lavishes His goodness on us. Whether or not we perceive it, and even when we come short in gratitude, He continues His unstoppable gift-giving. The Lenten season brings us face to face with His extravagance. All in the gift of His dear Son. May our God open our eyes and hearts to the wonder of all that He places in our hands.

Blessed Lent!