Seventh Appearance

Seventhly, the Lord appeared to James. “After that, he was seen of James” (1Cor. 15: 7). James was among the chief apostles and the others referred to him in case of any doubt as we read in Acts. When peter was released from prison by the angel he continued knocking at the door, of Mark, and when the door was opened the believers saw him and were astonished. “But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto the how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go, show these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed” (Acts 12: 17). We read further about James in Acts 15: 13, “And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying Men and brethren, hearken unto me.” From these two references in God’s Word it becomes clear that any matter which needed advice, and final judgment was referred to James. For this reason the Lord appeared to him in order to prepare him for this future great spiritual responsibility. The Lord gives extra strength and grace to those who have to bear extra responsibility in the Hose of God. But many believers just go to meetings to receive something and they are much more concerned about the message and singing rather than finding out what part they can take in the building of the House of God. The more willing we are to help others in serving them and accepting heavy burdens for His glory in the spreading of the Gospel and in the building of His Church, the more fully can we enjoy this aspect of the power of the resurrection. That is the reason why Paul says, “I count all things but loss that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection” (Phil. 3: 8,10). And also, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil.4: 13).