Give Yourself to God

Pentecost 18 – September 22, 2024

Jeremiah 11:18-20
Psalm 54
James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a
Mark 9:30-37

Upon reading our text from James today we need to ask, “What kind of community was James writing to?” While we have noticed that James has spent much of his letter on the harsh and destructive words that they would say to each other and their lack of action, he now accuses them of committing murder because they do not get what they want. Is this true? Or is James being overly dramatic about their desires? This has been an issue for many commentators of James throughout the history of the church. Not to go into the minute detail of all the arguments it seems to me that Erasmus’ solution is the best. He suggested that there was an error when the text was copied. Remember that before Gutenberg all texts were hand written and, sometimes, mistakes were made. Erasmus suggests that since the Greek word for “murder” is similar in spelling and sound to the word for “you are jealous,” a copyist wrote the word for murder by mistake. The text certainly makes more sense by accepting this solution. It also fits with other parts of the book. Remember James’ discussion about showing partiality to the rich? With Erasmus’ solution we can sum up the behaviors that James was addressing in his letter: they were an opinionated people who argued over theological issues to the point of anger toward each other; they did not act upon their faith; and they desired things that were beyond their reach which brought jealousy and coveting.

These are common attributes of many Christians. Even ourselves at times. We are surrounded by a world that has so much to offer and are tempted to buy into the lies that what we have is who we are. We began our worship today by confessing that we are enticed by the world and its empty promises. We are in bondage and cannot free ourselves. It is difficult, actually impossible, to not be swayed by the world to desire the things that others have. Just turn on the television and you will be exposed to well thought out and executed advertisements designed to make you want something that you probably do not need. They do so by trying to convince you that who you are is determined by what you have. You know the routine because, like me, you have bought into their story and bought their stuff only to learn that what they say you need has changed. It is a never ending loop and we get caught up in running the rat race all over again.

This is not something that is new and only came about because of modern technology. It has been a part of human nature since the beginning of time. Our other two texts for today also deal with this problem. Jeremiah was sent by God to deal with the Israelites who had forgotten the covenant that they had made with God, running off to some other God who seemed to offer more than their own. The disciples were, much like James’ community, arguing who was the most qualified to be the leader. Jesus turns their concept of the world upside down. Neither power, knowledge, nor wealth determine your identity or place in God’s kingdom – God does. God sent Jesus into the world so that you are not identified by your sin but by your faith. 

Having been called into the Body of Christ through the waters of baptism, you have been made servants to the world. Remember Jesus’ words to his disciples in our gospel text today. We are called to serve those who are in need not in order to win salvation but because we are able to serve. No longer do we need to worry if our lives are worthy of God’s salvation, we are free to act knowing that even if we do wrong we are forgiven and given another chance. That is James’ message to us. We are called to live our lives showing the world what Jesus has done for us. That means working to share the love of God that you have been graciously given with others.