God's Work of Art

 GOD’s Work of Art

All of us were children at one time. For some of us that’s hard to remember. The experience of childhood is different from one person to the next because we are all different people and we all experienced different environments. But we all have one thing in common, we were once children, and we all grew up to be adults. Throughout that process, and even into adulthood, we may have had times when we looked in the mirror and felt inadequate or insufficient. Maybe we felt we weren’t good enough at a certain sport. Or we were shy. Or maybe we didn’t care for a certain physical feature.

But GOD made us the way he wanted to make us. GOD made you the way he wanted to make you. When we look at ourselves through the GOD’s eyes, there is a completely different perspective – a completely different view of who we are.

“Then GOD said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. … So GOD created man in his own image, in the image of GOD he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:26a & 27) GOD thought so highly of his creation, he created us in his image. Since GOD is love, we are created to reflect his love.

“Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” (Genesis 1:26b) GOD thought so highly of his creation, he created us to be in charge of the rest of creation. That means we are created above the animals – not equivalent to the them.

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” (Psalm 139:13-14) GOD thought so highly of his creation, he created us with care as he took his time to “knit” us together.

Whenever we see a painting, especially an exceptional painting, one of the first things we do after admiring the work of art is we look to see who painted it. When we look into the mirror, we should see that we are created by GOD. When we look at other people in the world, we should look at them and know who the artist is – GOD. We should not be defined by what other people think or say. As GOD’s creation, we should define ourselves as his work of art.

   

Planted by Streams of Water - Psalm 1:1-3

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not whither - whatever they do prospers. - Psalm 1:1-3

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Commentary: In a world that rejects the instructions of absolute truth, which is found in GOD's law, it is encouraging to know that it is blessing to be refreshed like a tree planted by the water when His instructions are followed. Those that stray from his instructions - whether by a lack of integrity, vengeful actions or a lifestyle displeasing to GOD, to name a few - may prosper in an earthly sense, they will miss out on GOD's heavenly prosperity. 

The Return of the King - Christ Jesus

"Immediately after the distress of those days, 'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.' Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man [Jesus] in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather the elect [believers] from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other." - Matthew 24:29-31 (NIV)

"For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's [Almighty GOD] glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done." - Matthew 16:27 (NIV)

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Everyone is invited. Today is the time to respond.

True Peace

True Peace

Who doesn’t want peace? We all want peace. Peace on Earth. Peace and goodwill toward mankind. Peace throughout the day. Peace for tomorrow. What is the source of peace? The perfect way to ask that question is, “Who is the source of peace?” John 14:27, Jesus said that he is the source of peace. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”

But is one reason we ask for peace from God due to any selfish reason? What is “selfish peace”? Asking for peace for just one. A couple of examples include, do we want peace to “escape” the drama of life? Do we want peace to ease our suffering? This is difficult to swallow.

But the Bible promises peace that surpasses all understanding. Peace that transcends. Philippians 4:17 says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” The prophet Isaiah wrote, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways … For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” This is why his ways are higher than our ways.

If we can’t understand his ways, how then, can we fully experience God’s peace?

Faith. Simple faith. The author of Hebrews said, “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” You can’t see faith. Like the wind, you can only see the effects of the wind. You can only see the effects of faith. Of peace. Peace in our hearts.

God called King David, “… a man after God’s own heart.” While on this earth, we will never fully understand God’s ways. But do we strive to be men and women “after God’s own heart”? Do we abide in him? Jesus said, “Abide in me, and I in you.” All that Jesus offers, including peace, is for the asking when we abide in him.

Another important question is, “What are God’s ways?” Does the Bible give any indication? Jesus gave us a glimpse of that answer when he taught his disciples how to pray:

“Our Father, who is in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come; your will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread. Forgive us our debts as we have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.” (Matt. 6:9-13)

What does this tell us about God’s heart, his ways? His ways are kingdom ways. We will not understand the “how” of his kingdom ways, but at least we know that his ways are kingdom ways. This also takes faith. “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” He desires for us to experience his kingdom forever. When does that “forever” begin? For those who call Jesus Lord and Savior, it starts here on earth. His kingdom is here now. Being built one believer at a time. And peace is one of the many blessings experienced in his kingdom. But while we are still on earth, our flesh can be an obstruction to experiencing his peace.

But when we ask for peace, is it for a selfish reason, or for kingdom reasons?

Jesus also instructed us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” Notice the plural pronoun “us.” Jesus wants us to pray for “daily bread” for those on earth, for the community of believers. This is not a selfish prayer. And what is “daily bread”? Food? Yes. And also, spiritual food. What is “spiritual food”? His Word. When we read his Word, we receive spiritual food. The Word of God, his Bible, contains an infinite amount of spiritual food. It is reasonable to conclude that when the Apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians the list of the fruits of the Spirit, “…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control,” that he presented them with a menu of spiritual food. Peace is on that menu. And God’s peace is eternal.

That eternal peace can be received now on earth. The Psalmist David wrote, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Notice the psalm as a prayer. David says that his shepherd (his Lord God), comforts with his rod and staff. In ancient times, this is imagery for a shepherd guiding his sheep. The sheep know their shepherd and his tools of the trade to provide guidance. David goes onto say, “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.” Doesn’t the image of green pastures provide a sense of peace? The mention of “still waters” is exceptionally profound because sheep, by nature, do not drink from a fast-moving stream. In fact, a sea or rough waters was seen as chaotic. And the evil one brings chaos to this earth. Jesus brings the opposite: order and peace. Even amid chaos, our good shepherd provides peace.

While we are here on this broken earth, this imperfect world, God’s peace is peace amid life’s drama. Peace is not meant to be a selfish request from life’s drama (although sometimes God does resolve an earthly problem, which is great). Again, his peace is peace amid earthly problems.

So the question is, do we seek God’s peace? And do we seek his peace not just for ourselves but for others? Do we ask for his peace from God’s kingdom point of view? “Your kingdom come your will be done; on earth as it is in heaven.” And peace in heaven is eternal.

GOD’s Infinite Forgiveness

 GOD’s Infinite Forgiveness

Have you ever done something against a friend, a neighbor, a stranger or even directly against the GOD of creation? It may be something that the current society frowns upon more than other offenses. Have you asked for forgiveness from the person who was offended? And from GOD? Then, that is all a person needs to do in order to receive forgiveness from the GOD who provides infinite forgiveness and grace. However, since we are still stuck in these imperfect human bodies, we sometimes forget about GOD’s forgiveness. And we allow past sins to haunt us.

May the following scripture encourage you: “If we confess our sins, he [GOD] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9. Did you see that keyword in that scripture? “All.” Not some or a little. But all!

The Psalmist wrote thousands of years ago and it still holds true: “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgression from us.” – Psalm 103: 11-12. The imagery of “east from the west” is that of infinity. Infinite forgiveness.

“And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, ‘Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.’ And he went out and wept bitterly.” (See Matthew 26:69-75 for the entire passage.) Amazingly, Jesus forgave Peter. He forgave him what some may consider quite the heavy sin. [But all sin is equal in the eyes of GOD. (See James 2:10).] Later, Jesus made certain that Peter knew he was forgiven. John 21 records the account when Jesus restores Peter. Jesus asks Peter three times – the number of times Peter denied Jesus – “Do you love me?” Peter replied in the affirmative each time. Jesus not only forgives Peter, but he restores him to being a shepherd of his people when Jesus instructed him, “Feed my sheep.” Have you ever felt like GOD forgives you but are not worthy to be a part of his work? The example of Jesus restoring Peter to his previous role as follower and shepherd should give us great encouragement.

The sin of King David is a similar story. David committed adultery and then murder. (See 2 Samuel 11-12) These are two offenses that current society frowns heavily upon. But after the prophet Nathan confronted David he “… said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the LORD.’ And Nathan said to David, “The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die.” 2 Samuel 12:13. David went on to write Psalm 51, “Have mercy on me, O GOD, according to your love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.” And GOD did as David repented. GOD restored his soul. He also did not take away his service as King. There were consequences for David’s sin. The child born from his adultery would not live. (2 Samuel 12:14). Also, David would not see the completion of the temple. (1 Chronicles 22:8). In this example, GOD did not take away his sovereign leadership nor his new wife. Nevertheless, he experienced the discipline of GOD. The important lesson here is not to consider GOD’s discipline as a message he is holding back his forgiveness. Never! Remember, the aforementioned scripture, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome, “For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” Did you see the keyword in that scripture? Justified. Meaning, being freed from the guilt of sin and being made right with GOD. Not only are we forgiven by GOD but just as he has removed it “as far as the east is from the west,” we no longer should feel the guilt of sin. This is an incredible promise, especially when our fallible minds prompt otherwise. In his forgiveness, he sees us without sin. 

Test All Things - 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 (ESV)

 Do not quench the Holy Spirit. Do not despise prophecies (*), but test everything; hold fast what is good.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21

(*) In the year of our Lord [AD], this means to test and interpret the foretold in retrospect by means of forthtelling as interpretation of established Biblical written prophecy. In other words, nothing new added.  

Beware of Heresy

Scripture Warnings Against Heresy

But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.

– 2 Peter 2:1-2
 
… we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, …
– Ephesians 4:14
 
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
– 2 Timothy 4:3-4

The Greatest Champion - Jesus

The Greatest Champion – Jesus

Have you ever been angry at the many injustices of this world? Wars. Terrorism. Human trafficking. Extreme poverty. Sexual perversion. Child abuse. Spousal abuse. Freedom infringed upon. Disregard for human life. Theft. Murder. Arson. The list goes on.

These are difficult to hear and read about in the media, or perhaps to have experienced first-hand or observed a friend or family member experience. Sometimes, we just want to lash out. With that in mind, it’s easy to want to take action. And there are times to take action. To speak out. To write to a legislator. To be a part of organizations that fight against injustice. There are examples of Jesus standing for the rights of women and children. The woman at the well (John 5:5-30). Jesus prayed over children. Matthew 19:13-14 tells us, “Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked him. Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Jesus acted. But when we read about or see an injustice, sometimes our impulse is to react in an unwise manner. Jesus acted with wisdom.   

The Bible also tells us in Ephesians “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the cosmic rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12-13)

This tells us two things. One, that the focus of who is ultimately responsible for injustice is the dark enemy of this world – Satan. And two, this means that there are many in this world who are deceived and conduct their lives in a manner which results in an injustice. Which is an injustice in and of itself.

Have you ever been angry at Satan for the injustices of this world? Or have you ever doubted faith in Jesus to the point of being angry? Perhaps at yourself. Perhaps at the enemy. Have you ever wanted to lash out at the enemy?

So what are we as Christ-followers to do? The Apostle Paul tells us as he continued to write to the church in Ephesus. “Therefore, put on the full armor of God. That you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (See Ephesians 6:13-20).

Focusing on three of the pieces of his armor: the breastplate of righteousness and the shield of faith and the sword of the spirit.

Isaiah 11:5 is a reference with regard to when Jesus wore a sash, it was meant figuratively as righteousness. One of the many ways he was and is our example. Moses wrote in Exodus that two of the gemstones on the breastplate that the priests wore were carnelian and jasper. These were gemstones which represented God’s righteousness and purity. There’s nothing magical about these stones – they are only a representation (See Exodus 20:4.) Jesus is our high-priest. He goes before us, and through his eyes, God sees us as righteousness and pure. (Colossians 1:22)

The shield of faith is meant to extinguish the “flaming arrows” of the enemy. Think about what arrows in the modern age we may encounter – the temptations placed before us. The shield would have been an image clear in the minds of the first century church since Roman soldiers used shields. In battle they would form a line of shields. And behind them were more rows of soldiers, all with shields. This image tells us that we cannot fight this battle alone. We need each other. (See Ecclesiastes 4:12.)

So what are we as Christ-followers to do in a practical way? This is where the sword of the spirit is incredibly important. The Word of God. Daily, we need to read and abide. Jesus tells us, as recorded by the Apostle John, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” Ask Jesus to give you the armor of God. His righteousness and faith. There is nothing we can do without Jesus. How his words work in our life is beyond human understanding. Proverbs tells us to not “lean on our own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3)

A question was asked earlier. Knowing that this battle is an invisible one, have you ever wanted to lash out at the enemy? The Psalmist, David, gives us encouragement in that regard. “Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! Take hold of shield and buckler and rise for my help! Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers! Say to my soul 'I am your salvation!’” (Psalm 35:1-3) Jesus is our warrior. He fights for us. He fights for you!

I Corinthians 15:17 tells us, “… thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. But now in a single victorious stroke of life, all three – sin, guilt, death – are gone, the gift of our savior, Jesus Christ …”

In Revelation, Jesus “has conquered.” Past tense. This is a parallel to when Jesus said on the cross, “It is finished.” Jesus was and is victorious!

I am thankful I have Jesus the Messiah, the King of kings, the greatest Champion on my side! In the midst of the evil in this world I am encouraged and strengthened knowing that I have his Word, his truth, righteousness, faith and the promise of his salvation on my side! 

James 1:19-27 – Slow Down and Focus

 James 1:19-27 – Slow Down and Focus

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever look intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continues in it – not forgetting what they have heard but doing it – they will be blessed in what they do.

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

The author begins and ends in similar topics: human anger and loose speech. And in the middle section James gives the reason with the use of imagery. In the First Century, the people were oppressed by the Roman government. It would have been easy for human anger to lead to a violent reaction. James knew this when he wrote this passage. When we react, it is more times than not going to come from an imperfect human response. Slow down. Note that James avoids saying, “do not get angry.” He says to “listen, [be] slow to speak and slow to become angry.” As imperfect beings, it is easy to display unrighteous anger. God’s anger is anger against injustice. (Proverbs 6:17 and 17:15) God desires justice. When our desires abide with his, then when we become angry – as we slow down – we are more apt to know that the anger is against an injustice. This is why James concludes the first part of this passage with “get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” In other words, confess our imperfection and susceptibility toward erroneous reactive human anger, and in humility rely on the direction God has provided in his word. James then reminds the reader that it is his word “which can save you,” not only in salvation (John 3:16), but also – in the context of the passage – from the destructive nature of human anger. Returning to the oppression of Rome, there was a myriad of injustices. But James urged the opposite of human anger. As individuals, there is a time to voice opposition against such injustice – but with peace. A modern-day example is the Peace Prayers in Leipzig, Germany in the 1980s, as hundreds of thousands of people flooded the streets to demonstrate peacefully against the oppressive Soviet reign. By November 1989 the Berlin Wall fell and soon thereafter democracy was restored with the result of a unified Germany. The people were urged by the courage of a few pastors – who taught peace and the power of prayer – to slow down and focus. Focus on God’s direction. (Even in war, human anger should be avoided. The key is to focus on God’s direction with regard to the injustice in which a nation or nations are fighting against – e.g.: the injustice of the Third Reich.)

James continues to emphasize this point by urging the reader to put the word into action. He then uses – with an obvious, and dare I say, comical – imagery of a person who looks into a mirror then forgets what he or she looks like. We can all close our eyes and picture our own face. The same should occur when reading God’s word – his instruction manual. The Psalmist David wrote in Psalm 119:11, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” So should we memorize – and do. Slow down. Focus on what God would have us do and enjoy the freedom that only his instruction manual can provide. The law cannot save (Romans 7:13-24). But James reminds us God’s “perfect law that gives freedom” is the freedom from the “filth” which can lead to a destructive lifestyle – including the downward spiraling path of human anger. Proverbs 14:17 tells us that human anger leads to hate, “A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.” James concludes the middle section of this passage with a promise, if we take what we have heard and read and actually do it, “[we] will be blessed in what [we] do.” This is a direct reference to what Jesus said to his disciples when they were just northwest of the Sea Galilee, “… and he [God], will reward each person according to what they have done.” (Matthew 16:27b)

James bookends this passage by reminding the reader – and with a focus on the religious person – to keep a “tight rein on their tongues.” If a religious person displays human anger (or gossip or slander, etc.), then his or her poor example nullifies the very beliefs he or she has read – and has even spoken to others – but has not done. Again, this behavior is not righteous in God’s eyes as James states, “their religion is worthless.” The follower of Jesus is to “humbly accept the word,” which is why human anger, and a loose tongue comes from pride. Only in humility can we know God’s concerns. “…to look after orphans and widows in their distress.” At the time, orphans and widows were “the least of these.” (Matthew 25:31-46) These were the people who suffered the most injustice. The less privileged in our modern society are of God’s concern. If we abide in him, then they become our concern. And we are not just to listen, but we as followers of Jesus, do something and serve. Lastly, James urges the reader to “keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” Just as the Apostle John wrote when Jesus said that his followers are “in the world but not of the world.” (John 17:14b). It’s interesting that prior to this statement Jesus said, “I have given them your [God’s] word, and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world...” (John 17:14a) Being of the world and its deception can cause a person to get angry with the instructions of God – his word. It is this very attitude which can lead to the injustices throughout the world. As followers of Jesus, we are to abide in his word in order to conform to his image (Romans 8:29-30). Therefore, slow down, avoid human anger and worthless religion, and focus on the concerns of God: caring for others in love, grace and truth.

In Ephesians 4:15-16 the Apostle Paul writes, “… speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up [some versions use the word “mature”] in every way in to him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body [of followers] joined and held together at every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, make the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

 

James 1:13-18 – Temptation and Heavenly Status

 James 1:13-18 – Temptation and Heavenly Status

“When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone, but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is full grown, gives birth to death.

Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we may be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.”

It is intentional that the author chose to write about temptations directly after trials. The latter is an outward source of one of life’s difficulties and the former is from within. And immediately he points out that temptation is never from God, our Creator. When Jesus was in the wilderness for 40 days, near the end of that time, he was tempted. But not by God the Father. He was tempted directly by Satan. (See Matthew 4:1-11) Since Jesus is God, it’s fascinating to know that God cannot tempt himself as opposed to the fallen man and woman. It’s as if each person has an “evil twin.” A persona, if you will, that entices him or herself. This persona wants to do what our flesh wants to do – what feels good in many cases – and not the good that God has planned and wants for each person he created. (See v. 17). And how many times when there is outward trials does it feel easy to allow the inward temptations to deceive us?

James continues by personifying sin as being born. But this sin, when it fully matures, leads to death. This death can manifest itself in many ways: a life of self-induced suffering, the pain of others around him or her caused by the sin, spiritual death or even physical death. But there’s good news! God’s grace. One of God’s many good and perfect gifts is his grace. “For if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins...” (I John 1:9) God is described by James as the “Father of the heavenly lights.” In a world of darkness, as it was in the Roman ruled First Century (as is now in this residual kingdom), hearing of an eternal light would have brought great encouragement to the early church. How much should God’s light encourage us now? God is not like a shifting shadow, which sounds similar to the wild flowers which soon die off (see verses 10 and 11). The author’s use of imagery emphasizes the life that God provides and the destruction by the shadowy path of sin.

Lastly, in this section, the author writes, “He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we may be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.” The “birth through the word of truth” is a reminder to what Jesus said, “… ‘unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) In regard to the “firstfruits:”

The NIV uses the phrase, “… we might be a kind of firstfruits…”

The ESV uses the phrase, “… we should be a kind of firstfruits…”

The NASB uses the phrase, “… we might be, as it were, the first fruit…”

In the original Greek, the word “certain” is used instead of “kind of.”

There an allusion to God’s first fruit of creation, that being Adam and Eve. The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, “For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive, but each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then those who are in Christ.” (I Corinthians 15:22-23) Like being heirs with Christ, the born again are also first fruits. Christ first, then the born again. As if the born again are the restored first fruits so that those who are “in Christ all will be made alive.” This is the heavenly status of the born again! And it is certain! This should give the believer strength! 

Click here to read complete the devotional series of James 1.

James 1:12 – Perseverance

 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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James 1:9-11 – Humility and Exaltation

 James 1:9-11 – Humility and Exaltation
 

“Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation – since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.” (NIV)

 

“Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with it scorching heat and withers grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.” (ESV)

 

This Scripture is a reminder of the following two proverbs:

 

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2 (NIV) And, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.” Proverbs 16:18-19 (NIV) The ESV uses the same language in each passage.

 

And Jesus said, as recorded in Luke 14:11, “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

 

The “humble circumstances” is referring to those without physical wealth as it is a contrast of the following image – “the rich.” (Humble circumstances as a result of Roman oppression or by the rich within their own community.) However, there is also spiritual parallel. The humble are those who have been exalted by God (see Luke 14:11). The rich are those who will be humbled, by God (also see Luke 14:11). James is not saying that it is wrong to have physical wealth; there were Christians in the First Century – Barnabas, Cornelius, Aquila and Priscilla, and Philemon to name a few – who were wealthy. The important message James relays is how a rich person treats others with that wealth and how they present themselves – with pride or humility – both physically and in spirit of heart and mind (i.e.: attitude). Each person listed above used their wealth to further the Kingdom of God in humility which was a focus on the spiritual – “the concerns of God.” (See Matthew 16:23b)

 

The NIV uses the word “pride” which is not the kind of pride that self-exalts. Christians can boast (as the ESV uses), in Jesus for the position he has given. And it is a high position as Christians are “heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ [Jesus]…” (Romans 8:17) Jesus suffered while on this planet – both in his ministry and on the cross – and he did so out of love. As followers of Jesus, the Christian should also consider it “pure joy … whenever [faced with] trials of many kinds.” – just as our “joint heir” did. It was a way for James to remind us of our connection with Jesus who humbled himself in the greatest of manner – on the cross. “… he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:8)

 

A quick note regarding “…since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.” In the region surrounding Jerusalem, there were and are wildflowers that bloom in the late spring but quickly fade during the heat of the summer. James uses this image to show how quickly the haughty will fade in their foolishness. In contrast, wisdom comes from humility. (Proverbs 11:2)

 

The Scriptures are laced with many examples of its warning against pride. Here is a reminder of a few (Italics and Bold added to show the parallel).

 

“Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation.”

 

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”

 

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.”

 

 “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

 

Whether in physical wealth or not, may we as Christians be humble as our joint heir Jesus was humble. And in doing so, he will exalt you. 

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