Day 11: Monday 3/2

READ: James 2:21-26 

21 What about Abraham, our father? Wasn’t he shown to be righteous through his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 See, his faith was at work along with his actions. In fact, his faith was made complete by his faithful actions. 23 So the scripture was fulfilled that says, Abraham believed God, and God regarded him as righteous. What is more, Abraham was called God’s friend. 24 So you see that a person is shown to be righteous through faithful actions and not through faith alone. 25 In the same way, wasn’t Rahab the prostitute shown to be righteous when she received the messengers as her guests and then sent them on by another road? 26 As the lifeless body is dead, so faith without actions is dead.

REFLECT 

James brings in Abraham and Rahab — a patriarch and a prostitute, insider and outsider, both justified by faith that acted. Abraham's faith was "made complete" when he obeyed. Rahab's faith was demonstrated when she chose God's people. Their faith wasn't passive waiting; it was participatory risk. Faith that doesn't produce deeds — concrete choices that cost something — is like a body without breath.

RESPOND 

What act of obedience is God calling you to that would "complete" your faith — that would make it real and living?

PRAY 

God of Abraham and Rahab, give us faith that acts. Make our trust in you visible in our lives. Amen.