FAITH IN GOD DEMONSTRATED
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless? Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God. So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone. Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.
James 2:20-26 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Yesterday we discovered faith that does nothing is worth nothing. James let us know our faith in God should be demonstrated by the deeds that we do for others.
Today James gives us two illustrations to enforce the truth of his argument. And the two people he select are polar opposites. First, James talks about the faith of Abraham—the father of the Jewish nation and the father of faith. He talks about the story found in Genesis 22 where Abraham is tested by God and proves his faith by offering up Isaac. His faith is shown by his obedience to God. He acted in obedience even though it would cost him his dearest possession.
The second illustration is a unique choice—Rahab. She is a female, a Gentile, and a prostitute. Talk about the opposite of Abraham. Rahab proved her faith in God by her actions. She hid the two spies who came into the land. She even lied for them so they could escape. Her actions proved her faith in God.
Why choose these two examples? I believe James wants to remind us God is not limited to one race or gender. Jehovah God loves the whole world and wants to work through every human being to accomplish His plan on earth. Male or female, Jew or Gentile, even the good people and the bad people have a place in God’s kingdom when we accept His plan through faith. We demonstrate our faith in God by what we do.
What is God asking you to do? Is there someone around you that needs to experience God’s love in a tangible way through you?
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit help me to see what I can do in my world to express Your love. Help me to have enough faith to act on Your behalf.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”