works vs. words

    Much is made of Martin Luther's rejection of James' so called promotion of works over faith. Yet we saw last winter as we studied the book that James was not 1) talking about salvation or 2) even contrasting faith and works.
    We've seen James' use of opposing ideas throughout the book. As we've recorded key words they  are often found in opposing pairs. Belief/doubt. Listen/do. Rich/Poor. As we begin 2:14 my bible heading says "faith and deeds". Yet I don't think that's the opposing idea at all. Look back at verse 12, transitioning in to this section. "Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom....." The contrast is between your speech and your action. Verse 14 says, "What good is it if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?" Speech and action.
     The illustration is priceless, and as is typical of James, impossible to misunderstand. If you see someone without clothes and daily food, and you say "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed" what good is that?
     I was shocked to read when studying for this passage that this is an actual quote, and you can still hear it on the streets of Jerusalem, "religious" people to beggars. "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed." It's considered the proper blessing.
    Not as proper nor appropriate as warm clothes and food would be, James would surely say.
    Hence the illustrations from history that James employs. Abraham and Rahab both obviously had faith in God. Nothing else could explain the actions they took, the way they lived their lives.
    I doubt if my own faith is that obvious. Hmm.... looking forward to tomorrow's study.