Presbymom

  As we hear the word proclaimed from the book of James together for a few weeks, I try to classify and describe this book. Maybe it is a letter, some say not. Maybe it is prophecy, some say not. Maybe it is wisdom literature – the only wisdom book in the new testament – some say not. Maybe it’s prophecy or even eschatology or apocalyptic – maybe not. Even with all the disagreement, we do know what it IS – Listen to the living Word in scripture from   James 3:1-12 3  Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2  We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. 3  When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.  4  Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a v...

  I never write these word. Writing is for the young at heart, the creative types, not those past their prime! I sat in a bar tonight and wondered why the words of an NFL sports station sounded more like a sermon than what I had prepared for Sunday’s message. How does this happen? I am wondering things like what is it about my empty nest that leaves me lonely and wanting – incomplete, what trips are left for us in life that bring joy and completeness, and what do my kids want to possibly do with me before our interests diverge?   We made a bucket list of places in the world we want to see, my husband and I, but quickly realized that in the 20-30 years left to us, what is pandemic taking away? How do we plan and do what we desperately want to see with our family before we can’t physically or mentally qualify to remember and enjoy the time together?   Do we plan for outside vacations? There are plenty of those places in the world we want to see that are closer to home. We d...

  Before we dive into more from the epistle James, let’s look at what we know about this book of the Bible. If you are like me, it is one we have heard quotes pulled out of context from but maybe not a part of the Bible studied as much as others.   Who is the author? James – possibly the brother of Jesus or maybe son of Zebedee, but for sure a Greek speaking Jewish Christian. Likely an editor from a school ofone or the other James’ who wished to share their wise advice with the new Jewish Christians.   The book of James is a letter addressed to the 12 tribes in Diaspora. Huh? Diaspora is in exile, but - tribes - what a strange way to address Christians. Maybe they were really in exile outside Judea. Or, maybe this was a claim that the people being addressed are the new people of faith. Regardless, as is uncomfortably often true in our scripture, the words the early Christians needed to hear, speak to us today as well. Listen to the living Word:   James 2:1-10, 14-17 ...