Revelation of the Word:
Revelation of the Word 05/09/2024 Admin
THEME: FAITH AND WORK
James 2:14-22 NKJV
“What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?”
INSIGHT
–The famous phase, faith without works is dead has come to life through these scriptures. We find that genuine faith produces good deeds but only faith in Christ saves. The deadness of faith is when it is not exercised through works thus false faith which is parallel to what 1 John 3:17 tells us of false love. That “whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” God calls us to lay our lives for one another as He Himself lay His life for us to give us freedom, deliverance and salvation. An illustration of how Abraham moved with obedience to God’s instruction and his work produced fruit, and he was justified. The parable of the Good Samaritan also discloses the need for us to have compassion and genuine love for one another not considering the actions of those who we expect to act first. A man who was coming from Jerusalem to Jericho was attacked by thieves who stole from him, beat him up and left him half dead. A priest and a Levite passed by and did not offer aid, but a Samaritan helped him and took him to an inn, where they took care of him (Luke 10:25-37). We are called to become the good samaritans in our areas of influence and where need arises, sharing our love for God and one another, each day.
PRAYER
Dear Lord Jesus You are Good and Your mercies endures forever. You are worthy Oh Lord, You are Able to heal and save us from any adverse situation and calamity. You are the Lifter of every burden and Restorer of every soul. Dear Lord Jesus You have loved us with so much great love that You sacrificed Your life for our sake. You died so that we may live and live forever, may You help us to lay our lives for one another too. Help us love You with all our hearts, strength, souls, and minds and to love one another as ourselves. Lord Jesus You have reminded us that whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt to You our Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors You Lord, may You help us to honor You with our words, actions and thoughts. May You forgive us, our families and leaders where we have not done that which is pleasing to You and wash us with Your precious blood. May You help us and do us good together with our families. May You deliver all those who are oppressed and save all the orphans and widows among us. May You help all the street children and rescue them from oppression, depression, suffering, and poverty. May You enable us to do more in our communities and fulfill the mandate for which You have called us. We love You Lord Jesus and honor You and it is in Your precious name we pray believing and trusting. Amen.
Further reading: Proverbs 14:31, Matthew 25:31-46
Blessed Thursday