ST. JAMES’ DAY MESSAGE ON 25TH JULY, 2016
PRAYER: Merciful God, we pray as Your Holy Apostle Saint James left his father and all that he had and obeyed the calling of Your Son Jesus Christ even to death; so may we forsake every selfish desire and be ready at all times to answer Your call through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
1. There were two James called by Jesus to be His disciples. Matt 10:2-3 (one was Jesus’ “brother” or rather cousin, the author of the Epistle in his name. Some author called him the ‘little’ or ‘small’ James. You can verify this by looking at the Disciples’ list again.
2. James the Apostle:
James is the elder brother of John the apostle, one of the twelve. His call was clearly stated in Matt 4:21-22. His parents were Zebedee and Salome.
You remember the mother visited Jesus in Matthew 20:20 requesting for a high place for her Children in Christ’s Kingdom. She was very close to Jesus – Matt. 27:56.
James was very close to Jesus, even a member of His inner circle. One of the three at the transfiguration (Matt. 17:1, Mark 9:2). Also at the raising of Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5: 37-43).
He was also at the prayer garden with Christ- Gethsemane (Mark 14:33)
He was very bold and full of energy- he and John were called Boanerges i.e. “sons of thunder” (Mark 3:17) - Luke 9:53-54.
3. His Death:
He was the first Apostle to be killed- martyred (Acts 12:1-2) in A.D 44. We may think it was their mother’s request and their consent that caused early death. (Matt 20:20-23).
I read more in history about his death. In the book “The New Foxes Book of Martyrs” 2001. Clement Alexandriaus, an eminent primitive writer wrote that when James was being led to His execution, His extraordinary courage so impressed one of his captors that he fell on His knees before the Apostle, asked his forgiveness and confessed that he was a Christian also, and said that James should not die alone. Whereupon they were both beheaded.
4. Early Church Persecution:
Immediately after his death many other followers of Christ were martyred.
Stephen had been killed earlier
Timon and Parmenas, two of the seven deacons were martyred almost at the same time with James.
10 years later, Apostle Phillip was said to have been scourged, thrown into prison and then crucified in Phrygia.
Followed by Mathew.
James (the less).
Then Matthias.
Then Andrew the brother of Peter.
Mark also was killed.
Peter’s own was a special episode according to history and the prophecy of Jesus after his resurrection; history revealed Peter actually grew old. John 21: 17-19. At old age… Emperor Nero wanted to put him to death…
Paul was beheaded in Rome.
Jude, Bartholomew, Thomas
Luke also was hung on an olive tree for preaching the gospel in Greece.
It was only John, brother of James that escaped a violent death. A large vessel with boiling oil did not harm him. As a result, he was released and banished to the island of Patmos by Emperor Domitian where God showed him revelation written in the Book of Revelation. After his release from Patmos he returned to Ephesus where he died about A.D. 98
5. Blood of the Martyr:
Children of God, with all the continual persecutions and violent deaths, the Lord added to the church daily those who would be saved. The church became stronger and rooted in the doctrine of the Apostles and watered abundantly with the blood of Saints.
All through the ages the Christian faith has suffered great and severe persecutions. Till today people are being massacred, beheaded and shot-at for being Christians and for preaching the gospel of Christ.
Evangelist Eunice Olawale, killed at Kubwa Abuja on July 9 and buried last Saturday is a current example
6. And Now To Us:
The challenge of the life of Apostle James to us Christians and members of the Cathedral of St. James will help us learn from the saints who had gone to their rest and watching us as we live as Christians today.
Apostle James died for Christ, what have you done or will soon do for Christ?
He was called along with his brother, they both left everything - father, boat, fishing business e.t.c to follow Christ.
What have you left to follow Christ?
James yielded completely and surrendered his life. Have you given your life to him?
Apostle James was very close to Jesus. This is relationship with the Saviour. How close are you…..even to your pastor….church….and your God?
Does He know you?
Apostle James was very bold and energetic….real zeal for God’s business…
How do you handle God’s business? With what type of zeal are you serving God?
Or you are serving for personal gains? Or serving to be seen and recognized only by men?
7. Conclusion:
Therefore, as we celebrate the Cathedral Day this week, starting today with St. James’ Day Communion Service, let us show our love and passion to the Lord by offering our time, talent and treasure unto Him. Find time to personally attend all the wonderful programmes, already packaged for your spiritual edification and blessing. Be ready to be part of our witnessing team tomorrow, to carry the gospel to our community, especially to the unbelievers and share with them the light and love of Christ. Every Christian should be an evangelist. Invite your friends and neighbour to attend the programmes. When required to give your treasure to support God’s work, do not hesitate.
May He accept all we have to give and offer in Jesus Name. Amen.
Ven Nelson Adewole
Preacher
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