Good Company – Today we begin a series from the Epistle of James, which was written to an early congregation who have, according to the author, lost their way.  The author cites them for accepting and welcoming people like themselves, but ignoring the poor who are unlike them.  Historically, the church to whom the epistle was directed was a diaspora congregation, living where they were tempted to cater to the powerful and wealthy.  But the writer refers them to the beatitudes, blessing those who are not blessed by society’s standards, cautioning them that Jesus is with those poor among them, and to keep company with them is to keep company with Jesus.   Such criticism can be directed at many of us, too, as we tend to welcome those who are like us, who are powerful, while we are tempted not to welcome those who are unlike us and poor.  This is a challenge to our faith and works in Nashville, where a recent study showed that 74% of the countries of the world are represented by students in Nashville’s public schools.   (NOTE: Reflecting the importance of the Word, the video begins with the scripture, but once it starts you can scroll back to the beginning of the service if you want.  The entire service is videoed.)