Day 9: Our Unchanging Father

Don’t be fooled, my dear friends.
 Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father
who created all the lights in the heavens.
He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing.  
(James 1:16-17, CEV)

Reflection

At this point, we are over halfway through the first chapter of the Epistle of James. If you have been paying attention, you may have noticed the James has been painting a picture—a word picture of Jesus. With every word, phrase and sentence, he is giving us a clearer sense of who his virgin-born brother really is.

Some may protest that this perspective is inaccurate. After all, James has not mentioned the name of Jesus even once thus far, and the name of Christ does not appear anywhere in his epistle. So, how could James be painting a picture of Jesus?

James has been describing the very nature of God the Father. But in that description, we see Jesus because Jesus is the embodiment God. When Philip asked to see the Father, Jesus responded with these words:

“Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? (John 14:9)

In the same way, through his words since the start of his epistle, James has been showing us the Father. And when we see the Father, we see Jesus. So then, with the strokes of his pen what picture of the Father has James sketched for us thus far?

James has revealed that God hears our prayers and generously provides wisdom (v. 5). God expects us to have persistent faith (vs. 6-8). He values the poor and humbles the rich (vs. 9-11). He blesses and rewards those who love Him (v. 12). And our heavenly Father tempts no one (v. 13-15).

With today’s reading, we learn of three additional character qualities of the Father. He is a giver—a giver of good and perfect gifts. There is no darkness or evil intention in God. And He never changes.

That’s also a perfect picture of Jesus. In his earthly ministry Jesus demonstrated all the character qualities that James sketches out for us in his epistle. Jesus was and is the physical embodiment of his Father. He didn’t just show us the way to the Father. He showed us the Father.

As sons and daughters of the Father let’s determine to become like Him.

Response

Holy Spirit, I want to be more like Jesus. You know I fall short. Change me from the inside out. Show me how to live in this fallen world. Daily, I need your wisdom. You have promised good and perfect gifts including wisdom to those who ask. I ask all this by the power and grace of Jesus. Amen.

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