The Royal Law

Read James 2:8-13.

In our text, the offensive word law is used five times. On the positive side, we know the law was our schoolmaster to bring us into Christ. Therefore, verse eight calls it the royal law, and verse twelve calls it the law of liberty. In our text, heaven’s humble spotlight comes upon just what is the real deal. It lights up what God loves. We know that the law kills. It condemns us, but it also points us to our need for Christ. 

Now, in Christ, all heaven breaks loose in us. This royal law brings us into the royal family. Royalty now reigning in our hearts. And the evidence is so simple, so humble. We value others as we value ourselves. Sacred value is given to all regardless of anyone’s earthly achievement. Religion wants to bring in those who are top. The royal law treasures those on the bottom. The royal law spreads royal love. Where royal love reigns, it’s almost as though the law fades away. We are not even conscious of the law anymore. 

The law is holy. The law is written. Jesus is the Word incarnate. The royal law, in a sense, is Christ, Who kept the law for us. Christ in us and in our text, Christ through us. That’s heaven’s holy royalty in us. What does it look like?  It’s surely not pompous religiosity that makes God sick.

This royal law of liberty is simply Jesus in us, taking us down to the local soup kitchen to feed the homeless. It took me to our City Mission and county jails for 45 years. It moved a widow in my home church years ago to bring her neighbor boy to Sunday school. An overwhelmed single mom was raising the boy. The boy was soon saved in junior church. He grew strong in the Lord with no family help. He went to BBC, and today, he pastors his home church. 

Verses twelve and thirteen make it clear that all believers will stand before the judgment seat of Christ, and this law will be the Judge’s measure. A judgment without mercy for those who were not surrendered, who showed no mercy. And I so love this last phrase: “Mercy rejoiceth against judgment.” To those surrendered and walking in love, there is rejoicing because the judgment will be a sacred reward time. 

Technically, Jesus is not in this text. But actually, Jesus is everywhere in the text. He sort of is the text.  

This royal law of liberty is simply Jesus in us, taking us down to the local soup kitchen to feed the homeless.

Reflective Questions:

1. Is the word “law” a positive or negative word? What makes you answer this way? 
2. What is the “royal law?” What does the Bible say about it? How does it compare to the “golden rule?” 
3. When you read about standing before the judgment seat of Christ, what comes to mind? Will it be a rewarding time? 

Memory Verse:

Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” James 2:8

Prayer: 

Dear God, help me see Jesus everywhere today, in the biblical text and in my town. Even more, show Yourself to others today through me. May I value people as You do. Love others through me for Your glory and my delight. 

Related Scriptures:

Galatians 5:14; Matthew 22:39; Galatians 2:19; Galatians 3:10; Deuteronomy 27:26; Exodus 20:13-14; Colossians 3:17; Philippians 4:8; Matthew 5:7