Theme: COMMENTARY ON JAMES CHAPTERS 1 – 2
Text: “Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” – James 2:21-24.
Comment: Abraham’s faith was tried a number of times and he passed the tests by God’s grace. After he had had a son at the age of 100, God told him to sacrifice this child of promise to him on Mount Moriah. He obeyed. (Genesis 22:15-18) His strong faith in God made him to believe that he would still have a child in his old age. He also believed that if he obeys the command of God Almighty to sacrifice his son, God could give him another son. It is because of these demonstrations of faith by Abraham that he is called the father of the faithful.
It is this simple and unwavering faith of Abraham that worshippers of God are required to have. We should obey the laws of God without hesitation or delay. We should not compromise our faith or become weak because of afflictions or difficulties. St. Paul stated: “But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. (Galatians 2:17) He also declared “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” – Hebrews 10:35, 36.