13 The Tanakh says, “I trusted, therefore I spoke.”[2 Corinthians 4:13 Psalm 116:10] Since we have that same Spirit who enables us to trust, we also trust and therefore speak; 14 because we know that he who raised the Lord Yeshua will also raise us with Yeshua and bring us along with you into his presence. 15 All this is for your sakes, so that as grace flows out to more and more people, it may cause thanksgiving to overflow and bring glory to God.
Saint James, Apostle (Feast)We hold this treasure in earthen vessels. (2 Corinthians 4:7)
Have you ever come to the end of a long day and felt as if you were nothing but an earthen vessel—and a cracked pot at that? If someone were to ask you to take care of just one more thing, you would probably be tempted to say, “I couldn’t possibly … I just can’t … There’s no way.”
James the apostle was also an earthen vessel. His only trade was fishing, backbreaking manual labor for someone from the lower class. His personality was explosive too, earning him the nickname “sons of thunder” along with his brother, John (Mark 3:17). Remember, these were the two who wanted to call down “fire from heaven” to decimate a whole town that didn’t give Jesus the welcome they thought he deserved (Luke 9:54)!
It seems that James had a hard time understanding Jesus’ mission. After spending so much time following the Lord and watching him devote himself to tending to the wounded and troubled, all James wanted was to make sure he would get to play a prestigious role in the new regime (Matthew 20:20-28).
But despite all these weaknesses, Jesus invited James into his inner circle. He was right there when Jesus was transfigured, when he raised a little girl from the dead, and when he struggled in Gethsemane to unite his will with the Father’s. Through it all, James observed Jesus closely and tried to deepen his understanding and obedience. And his efforts were not in vain.
The next time you feel like an earthen vessel, “afflicted … perplexed … persecuted … struck down,” turn your attention to the treasure that you hold in this vessel (2 Corinthians 4:8, 9). It’s true that on your own, you lack the power to follow through, but it’s also true that the same power that filled and transformed James is just as alive and active in you. May James and all the apostles pray for us and help us learn how to rely on the grace that God has given us!
“Jesus, you are my greatest treasure. Thank you for choosing me just as you called James. Lord, I lay down my life at your feet.” Amen!Psalms 126:(0) A song of ascents:
(1) When Adonai restored Tziyon’s fortunes,
we thought we were dreaming.
2 Our mouths were full of laughter,
and our tongues shouted for joy.
Among the nations it was said,
“Adonai has done great things for them!”
3 Adonai did do great things with us;
and we are overjoyed.
4 Return our people from exile, Adonai,
as streams fill vadis in the Negev.
5 Those who sow in tears
will reap with cries of joy.
6 He who goes out weeping
as he carries his sack of seed
will come home with cries of joy
as he carries his sheaves of grain.
Matthew 20:20 Then Zavdai’s sons came to Yeshua with their mother. She bowed down, begging a favor from him. 21 He said to her, “What do you want?” She replied, “Promise that when you become king, these two sons of mine may sit, one on your right and the other on your left.” 22 But Yeshua answered, “You people don’t know what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I am about to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” 23 He said to them, “Yes, you will drink my cup. But to sit on my right and on my left is not mine to give, it is for those for whom my Father has prepared it.”
24 Now when the other ten heard about this, they were outraged at the two brothers. 25 But Yeshua called them and said, “You know that among the Goyim, those who are supposed to rule them become tyrants, and their superiors become dictators. 26 Among you, it must not be like that. On the contrary, whoever among you wants to be a leader must become your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave! 28 For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve — and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
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