Ask boldly

According to Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary, an epistle is "a writing, directed or sent, communicating intelligence to a distant person; a letter; a letter missive. It is rarely used in familiar conversation or writings, but chiefly in solemn or formal transactions. It is used particularly in speaking of the letters of the Apostles...and of other letters written by the ancients, as the epistles of Pliny."

A glance at the epistle of James reveals language that is straightforward and plainly spoken. Perhaps his readers needed this directness. Perhaps it was the method to which James was accustomed. It still packs a punch for today's reader. Take, for example, his admonition about being double-minded (James 1: 8), which echoes Psalm 119: 113. (Isn't it instructive that the New Testament writers knew their Scriptures so well?)

Psalm 119: 113 -

I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love. (KJV)

I hate disloyal [or double-minded] people, 
but I love your teachings [instructions; laws]. (Expanded Bible EXP)

I hate the two-faced,
    but I love your clear-cut revelation. (The Message by Eugene Peterson)

I hate those who are undecided whether or not to obey you; but my choice is clear—I love your law. (The Living Bible - TLB)


James 1: 6-8

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. (KJV)

If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who “worry their prayers” are like wind-whipped waves. Don’t think you’re going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open. (The Message)

But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to tell you, for a doubtful mind will be as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind; 7-8 and every decision you then make will be uncertain, as you turn first this way and then that. If you don’t ask with faith, don’t expect the Lord to give you any solid answer. (TLB)

How good it is that this epistle was included in the Canon.

Julie Swannell