Before entering into a book of the Bible, it’s important to understand, on some level, the history that stands behind it’s writing. It’s by understanding the historical context that we are able to see more clearly the why and how the book was written. It gives us a deeper insight into the author’s life and leaves behind clues to help us more accurately interpret what is being shared with us.
Throughout the New Testament there are multiple people named ‘James’.
Due to the timing, location and, age/date of death of the different men, historians were able to agree on the most likely author for the book of James.
The particular author we get to engage with is most likely the half-brother of Christ and brother of Jude; James. This James originally rejected Christ and his followers but eventually became one of the key leaders within the church of Jerusalem. He wrote his carefully and precisely structured book to believers who were dispersed across the land due to persecution; most likely from the hand of King Herod Agrippa I.
James is written with a practical approach; similar to the book of Proverbs. The author uses this approach and image rich language to emphasize a way of life for the believer.
James doesn’t leave his readers to feel alone or to struggle with understanding his words. Instead, he fills his writings with over 30 references to nature suggesting that he was a man who loved the outdoors and spent a great deal of time there.
It is so easy for us to get swept away in his language and let our imaginations and memories conjure up the image James refers to. I found myself being taken on this imagery journey the moment I started reading James. Within the first few sentences he makes reference to temperament of the sea.
James 1:6 “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”
In High School, I won a photography contest on the Oregon Coast and in the cold winter months was blessed to travel to the icy seashores to see my photograph hanging on the walls of a Lighthouse. While I was ecstatic to see my work portrayed with its blue ribbon proudly hanging nearby, I was in awe of the winter ocean. The wind outside made nature it’s playground.
Tree branches wrapped around themselves as if trying to protect their cores from the fierce slap of the wind’s tongue. Sand tumbled over itself recreating the landscape I had come to know and love.
Most impressive of all were the waves. When the wind roared, the ocean synchronized. Swells lapped over each other, growing larger with every breath, until with a final slam of furry, it would release itself and come crashing down without mercy.
The one sea town of Oregon, Depot Bay, is located right on a cliff edge near the ocean. In summer it was well known and loved for whale watching. In winter though, the Bay was insignificant to the orchestra the wind made of the sea. As the waves swelled upwards and crashed down, they were no longer merely slapping grains of sand and broken bits of Sand Dollars. Instead, the waves overtook the buildings, the roads, the people themselves.
It is this imagery that James offers us, that becomes our greatest gift in understanding what he has to share.
By falling back on our own divine connections with Earth, we are better able to understand the urgency in how our behavior reflects our beliefs and affects those around us.
As we dwell into the book of James, let your imagination run free, accept the gift James had to offer and let your own experience help build your understanding.
Thoughts for the week:
Take some time and brainstorm ways you can hold yourself accountable to taking the time each week to walk through James. What might distract you and how can you prepare to meet those distractions head on?
As we start this journey of becoming vulnerable with ourselves, what internal obstacle do you think will stand in your way? To get you started thinking in the right direction, here are some potential obstacles one might face: the fear of what others will think, avoidance of your own emotions, not being ready to address your deepest and darkest truths, etc..
When was a time you found yourself in awe of Nature? How did you feel in it's presence?
Do you feel a strong connection to nature? If not, what alternative analogies can walk hand in hand with how nature works that might help you understand James' writings more so?
How do you foresee these strategic references to our character via how nature acts helpful for your understanding?
Prayer
Lord,
As we begin this journey in James together, open our eyes and our hearts to your word, your life, your truth. Let us not be led astray but rather to fully embrace the power your incredible grace gives us to continue fighting in this life. Let us learn together. Give my friends the strength to persevere through their battles. Bless this study Lord.
In your name,
Amen.
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