Praying, Wandering, Returning

Did you catch it? Just one simple phrase: Then he appeared to James. The resurrected Christ showing up to talk with his brother.

Picture that conversation. Imagine it for a second. What do you think Jesus was like? After all that time, after all that tension, after all that trouble. I think he walked into that conversation leaving a whole lot of room for mercy.

I picture him welcoming James with a big hug, not saying anything but pulling up the chair next to him and inviting James to sit. Fresh bread and fruit are already set out before them, and today’s fish is searing over the fire. Jesus pours the wine, looks James right in the eyes, and just nods a few times. The eyes of confusion turn to those of regret and then, eventually, squints of joy. They laugh, they eat, they sit together again as brothers.

James knows that wandering is a normal part of life. He wandered from the truth for most of his life, even when it was right in front of him, even when it was made flesh. And he knows what it is like to return. He has felt, in his body, the gracious restoration of his soul. And so when he speaks to the church, the very last thing he asks them is are you a place that people want to return to?

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From a sermon on James 5:13–20.