James 1:12 – Perseverance
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
At the start of this letter James stated it should be a
joy to face trials “because the testing” of faith results in perseverance. Now,
the author adds it will be a blessing to persevere. Recall from the earlier in
the letter (James 1:1-11), that the person who perseveres is the mature person,
the one who is striving to be complete in Jesus Christ. Blessed is the one who
does not doubt. Blessed is the one who asks for help in his or her doubt. Blessed
is the one who does not allow the chaos of this world to toss them about by its
misguided foolishness. Blessed is the one who is not double-minded. Blessed is
the one who is humble.
Whether oppressed. Whether poor. Whether saddened by our
brothers and sisters who are tortured and martyred for their faith. Or, simply
clinging to the voice of Jesus during times of trouble and testing. Blessed is
the person who perseveres. There is a crown of life waiting. The crown was (and
still is), a symbol of royalty. Jesus is the King of kings, and we are
joint-heirs with him to those who love him. What a wonderful promise!
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