URC Daily Devotion Thursday 24 October 2024

Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.  In fulfilment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

Reflection

For generations of Christians, conscious of living in a world that is out of joint, these verses have brought a comforting sense of God’s constancy.   
 
Vivid images from nature make the point.  “Father of lights” is scarcely a conventional title of God as Father!  Yet this is the creator God who brought the sun and moon into being.  We admire the regularity of their movements across the sky.  But these are subject to change, they eclipse periodically, whereas God in his steadfast character and purpose, never wavers. Using semi-technical language, James contrasts such changes with the majestic changelessness of God. 
 
Yet God is not remote or unconcerned. His steadfastness is entirely in keeping with his generosity.  His gifts are wholly good.  And his greatest gift is new life.  As we receive it, God regenerates us, re-creates us through the word of truth.  Now you’ll note that Jesus is not mentioned here directly but the resemblances to his teaching are obvious.  Jesus often speaks to the disciples as if he were giving them a lesson in moral philosophy and James draws creatively on his teaching.
 
As we turn to God and accept God’s gift of new life, there are consequences for the way we behave.  As choice first fruits of the harvest were once offered to God in thankful acknowledgement of his gifts, we who have been redeemed by Jesus offer ourselves as living sacrifices in God’s service.  And we do so every time we celebrate the Lord’s Supper together.  
 
Our lives are bound up with God.  That raises the startling question.  Do the actions we take in faith contribute in some way to God’s steadfast love?  If so, everything we do must make a difference to the meaning of the world.  It’s quite a thought!
 
 
Prayer

Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning,
You have been the hope and joy of many generations.
Grant me a clearer vision of your truth, a greater faith in your power
And a more confident assurance of your love,
In Jesus Christ, your son, our saviour.  Amen.