James 2 ‘A Royal Welcome’
Our
Father has chosen all sorts of people to be rich in faith and to inherit the
Kingdom. We are wealthy heirs! (v5) We have been invited into the Royalty of
heaven, even while we’re still on earth. We have access to our Father’s house,
(Luke 15 v31) and therefore we need to be treating others in this way too, with
a heavenly standard.
If we
translate the first few verses of James 2 into modern day Church welcoming, we
may see people who are: difficult to talk to, in a different margin of society
to ourselves, wearing different clothes, even grumpy people! But still, we need
to be welcoming these people with love, honour and high value. We may find it
easier to talk to others, or to run to our friends, but can we challenge
ourselves to find other times to catch up, and instead give our full and
undivided attention to all who are new, on their own or yet to find God?
Even
practical things go far: Would you like to come to lunch today? Or out for a
drink with a few of us this evening? Come and meet so and so. There’s a seat
over here, sit with me. Can we meet for coffee this week? Can I pray with you?
Are we
giving those who step through the doors a ROYAL welcome? Let us let go of our
niggling judgements (v4) and allow mercy to truly triumph. If we long for
people to meet with Jesus, let’s provide a loving, family atmosphere so that
all believe and know they are wanted and accepted in the Kingdom of God.
(member of the staff team)