Old Camel Knees Series

III. James, the Righteous Leader

Finally, let’s observe James, the righteous leader.

As you read through the book of Acts, you find that this man James became one of the most significant leaders in the early church.

In Acts 12 when Peter was released from prison, one of the men he sought out was James.

In Acts 15, which was the first great church council, this man James chaired that meeting.

In Galatians 1 Paul says that when he came to Jerusalem he saw only the apostle Peter and James—the Lord’s brother.

As I said earlier, he was sometimes called James the Just. Why? Because he was known as a man of great integrity. A righteous man, honest and fair.

The church historian, Eusebius, tells us that one of the other nicknames of James was that of Old Camel Knees. Believe it or not, that was a term of affection. Evidently James was known for being on his knees in prayer so often and so long that the people said his knees became worn like the knees of a camel. So they called him Old Camel Knees.

The reality of James’ faith was proven not only by his life but also by his death. Josephus, the Jewish historian of that generation, tells us that in the year 62 AD James was cruelly put to death for his faith in Jesus. He died by stoning. The details of his death are vivid and extremely sad. James was willing not only to live for Jesus but even to die for him—this one who had been his brother.

Conclusion

But before he was martyred, God directed him by the Holy Spirit to write this small book we are going to study called James. Its theme can be summarized in one simple but life-changing truth: It is not enough for you to profess a belief in Jesus unless that belief shows itself in your life.

When we come to James chapter 2 we will find that James writes that “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (2:17). James is saying that your faith is not real if it does not work itself out practically in your life, that an orthodoxy that confesses is worthless if it is not matched with a conduct that works. Real faith always produces genuine works. The person who has truly found the way will genuinely walk in it.

James has in mind those who have become blind to or unconcerned about the contradiction between their profession and their practice. Those people who come to church Sunday after Sunday professing the Lord Jesus Christ, and yet deny by their activities throughout the week that belief which they so staunchly profess. Those who find it very easy to turn their backs on the needs of the poor or less fortunate or less educated or less physically or culturally attractive. Those who profess the name of Christ with their tongue on one day and then use that same tongue to destroy someone the next. James’ purpose is to challenge us to live in ethical conformity with our doctrinal confession.

Our world needs men and women of integrity. Men and women willing to pay the price! Willing to go the distance! Willing to stand alone! For the impact of a life of integrity can overcome the impact of hypocrisy.