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JAMES: THE FIRST APOSTOLIC MARTYR
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12
Acts 12:1-2

James 5:6

 

“Ye have condemned and
killed the just; and he

doth not resist you.”

 

JAMES: THE FIRST APOSTOLIC MARTYR
 
James, the Apostle, is significant in early church history because he was executed by Herod, becoming the first martyr among the Apostles of Christ. Yet his death was not in vain, for “the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church” (Tertullian). The Lord was pleased to take James home to heaven, but before doing so, He used him to write an epistle that reminds us of the importance of practical Christian living.
 
James was killed only a few years after Christ’s ascension; Peter followed decades later, while John lived till he was nearly a century old before his passing. Each servant of God has a different span of service. Some are appointed to live longer for there is still work to be done; others are taken earlier when their task is complete. It is the Lord’s decision. He knows the distance each servant must travel, the strength each one possesses, and the measure of ability He has given. He will never demand beyond what He has supplied, nor permit us to go beyond what we can bear according to His purpose.
 
Brethren, let us trust our gracious and merciful Master in heaven. He is mindful of our service. Let us give Him our best, for He strengthens us the moment we labour for Him. He is our Father who loves His children more than anyone else. Once, He asked James, “…Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptised with the baptism that I am baptised with?…” (Matt 20:22). This signified the affliction and suffering He had to face.
 
Some may serve only a few years, others much longer — but let it not be said that we had never served at all. What a tragedy it is for those who claim salvation and yet have no heart to serve! It is better to serve in small matters than not at all. Better to serve quietly than to remain indifferent. Better to serve in the remotest places than to sit idly in the comfort of mega churches. James may not have lived to see his epistle included in Scripture, but his life itself became part of God’s Word.
 
THOUGHT: Am I serving God faithfully according to His perfect will?
PRAYER: Father, help me to understand that it is not the length of service that matters, but the faithfulness of it. May I serve Thee wholeheartedly, in whatever way Thou hast appointed.

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