Day Eighty-Five -- To whom it may concern . . .
Hebrews and James 1:1--3:12
Today we begin our reading of what are categorized as the General Letters to the Churches. It is probable that in some sense not all of them are actually letters to specific communities or persons but rather sermons or works of general instruction that were circulated around the churches. The Letter to the Hebrews, with the exception of the four concluding verses that feel like they've been tacked on, most certainly comes across as a sermon. It recalls the history of God's promise and covenant, proclaims the unique place of Jesus Christ, commends the action of faith, exhorts the believers to continue on in the face of hardships, and encourages them in acting rightly towards one another. It comes to a natural conclusion with these words: "May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13:20-21). That's one big "Amen" that has been said around the world by Christian communities to this day.
The Letter of James (Note: It is "of", not "to" James) has been problematic for some, including the great reformer Martin Luther who viewed it as too devoted to the performance of good works Well, we all have our opinions, don't we? I, for one, think this letter has some important things say about right acting not just right thinking. Besides, 'James' is quite the beautiful name . . .
Today we begin our reading of what are categorized as the General Letters to the Churches. It is probable that in some sense not all of them are actually letters to specific communities or persons but rather sermons or works of general instruction that were circulated around the churches. The Letter to the Hebrews, with the exception of the four concluding verses that feel like they've been tacked on, most certainly comes across as a sermon. It recalls the history of God's promise and covenant, proclaims the unique place of Jesus Christ, commends the action of faith, exhorts the believers to continue on in the face of hardships, and encourages them in acting rightly towards one another. It comes to a natural conclusion with these words: "May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13:20-21). That's one big "Amen" that has been said around the world by Christian communities to this day.
The Letter of James (Note: It is "of", not "to" James) has been problematic for some, including the great reformer Martin Luther who viewed it as too devoted to the performance of good works Well, we all have our opinions, don't we? I, for one, think this letter has some important things say about right acting not just right thinking. Besides, 'James' is quite the beautiful name . . .
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