Hey Church,

Don't forget to sign up for the Social Distance Olympics, happening tomorrow! The deadline is noon today. Also, be sure to sign up if you're planning to come to either of the sunrise services this Sunday. 

Today the global church remembers and celebrates the life of James of Jerusalem. James, the brother of Jesus, has traditionally been considered the writer of the New Testament book that bears his name. He was also one of the first leaders of the church in Jerusalem to approve Paul’s mission to the Gentiles. 

Along with this connection to the Gospel going to the nations, James is known as “the Just” because of his holy and disciplined life.  That title also helps distinguish him from another James, the son of Zebedee and disciple of Jesus, who was known as the “the Great.” That distinction can feel like it leaves James, the brother of Jesus, in the shadow (at least he’s not “James the Less”).  

Obviously James the son of Zebedee was an all around, great guy. No disparagement here. But reading a bit yesterday about James the Just did highlight for me the ways the pursuit of greatness - defined as glory or name recognition, and accomplishment - might lead us away from what is most faithful, just, and Christ-like. Instead of building a name for himself, this James is most celebrated for supporting someone else’s work (Paul’s mission) and devoting himself to prayer.

Jesus, of course, addressed the very human desire for greatness in Mark 10, when he said, “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” Jesus himself, the great and most just one, was known as the “suffering servant.” Jesus did justice, humbly and meekly, in his daily life and ultimately on the cross. In living this way, he reconciled us to God. Perhaps if it is enough for him and for James, it can be sufficient for me. Rather than pursuing greatness, the greater task today is to serve and support others, to pray, and the doing of justice; just as James did. Just like Jesus.

In Christ,

Peter+

Ps. There is a lot going on in the world these days. Alongside the concerns we might all feel for our own lives and our own nation I wanted to encourage us to be praying for Nigeria and the protests and shootings that have taken place there. We are blessed to have a number of community members with roots in Nigeria here at COTC. Let's uphold their home country, where many of them still have family.

Pps. You might also pray this weekend for The Immigration Coalition and their online conference. Rondell Trevino, who spoke at COTC a few weeks back, is the director of this organization and the COTC Mission Team recently made the coalition one of our mission partners. Pray for Rondell and for the good work that will take place this Sunday.