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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James 1:1-8 – Trials and Wisdom

 James 1:1-8 – Trials and Wisdom

“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials on many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one you doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such is person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.”

The majority of scholars consider the author of this letter to be the James, the brother of Jesus. There is significance is how he opened his letter. James was not one of the twelve disciples and not a follower during Jesus’ ministry on earth. (The James who was one of the twelve was the son of Zebedee.) James, the author of this letter came to follow his brother after the resurrection of Jesus. In the opening of his letter, he called himself a servant – a servant of his brother. When the author identified himself, he also presented a picture of humility, yet without boasting about it. He recognized, that although Jesus was his earthly brother, he was now his heavenly brother – his Lord. This took humility.

James continued the opening with an address to the “twelve tribes.” This phrase once referred to the actual Twelve Tribes of Israel – God’s chosen nation. But ten of the tribes were scattered centuries prior – along with the other two. However, the former are unaccounted for. The point, or parallel, that James is making is that the current followers of Jesus who have been scattered (from Jerusalem), due to persecution from Rome as well as religious leaders, are like the original Twelve Tribes when scattered centuries prior. It is now a reference to the new nation, the Kingdom of God. This is important in that the followers (Christians), of the First Century were of Jewish and non-Jewish (Gentile), heritage. Now, their heritage is one in Jesus – the shared bond the Apostle Paul describes in his letter to the church in Ephesus (see Ephesians 4:1-13).

After the opening salutation, James immediately provides encouragement (verses 2-4). Before examining his support it is important to understand further the magnitude of the cultural setting. For over one-hundred years the Roman Empire had taxed Jewish farmers to a point that many of them had to mortgage their land just to pay the totalitarian government. And that was not enough, which resulted in many farmers driven to poverty as they lost their land. Those who lived outside the city walls and within Jerusalem were not affected as severe, but the financial pressures caused many to live in substandard and stressed means. In addition, many religious leaders continued to burden and distress Christians which included a life-threatening environment. This oppressive rule and atmosphere continued into the early first century, when Jesus was on earth, and into the mid-first century when James wrote his letter.

Therefore, when the Christians read the opening words: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials on many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything, …” there was an immense depth of meaning. Many of them had been alive during the time Jesus was crucified. His faith to God the Father is what brought them salvation and assured hope in the eternal promise of which their Messiah had spoken. Jesus completed his task on the Cross. James encouraged the believers of the day to “… let perseverance finish its work so that [they] may be mature and complete …”

Many times when this passage has been read by modern preachers and teachers, the first-century aspect seems to be overlooked and is read from a democratic free-world point of view – where the high majority of Christians do not face the persecution that was prevalent in the first century. But – it should be viewed from a global point of view – and more so from a Kingdom point of view. Yes, any trial endured – whether health, finances, education, vocation, etc. – is important to God, because he is the loving God. These trials, through faith, can also produce perseverance. But James wrote of direct persecution for a person’s faith in Jesus. So then, the question for the modern Christian who lives in a free society is: how does this passage directly relate? The letter to the Ephesians provides the answer. As one body, one church and united in one Kingdom through Jesus, any Christian throughout the world suffers when one or a group of our brothers and sisters are directly persecuted in a nation – or nations – that oppress(es) Christians. Thousands upon thousands of Christians are tortured and executed for their faith each year. This should cause believers throughout the world and in a free society to mourn and pray. And as Jesus taught, we are to “love [our] enemies and pray for them that persecute [us].” (Matthew 5:44) Also, believers have a connection with Jesus that is eternal. It is this connection which gives the believer joy. Since Jesus suffered and was persecuted, the believer should considered it a joy to share in the same or similar.

Though the modern Christian does not face physical persecution in places of religious freedom, there are currently pressures from governments, corporations and places of education to subdue our faith. To speak of our faith in some work-places is frowned upon even to the point of disciplinary action. The indoctrination of certain world-views and lifestyles contrary to what the Bible teaches are taught in schools despite the opposition of Christian parents. In parts of the U.S., police and fire chaplains have been ordered not to end a prayer “in Jesus name,” or face termination. Therefore, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials on many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

James completes the phrase, “… so that [they] may be mature and complete,” with “… not lacking anything.” He reveals one aspect of the anything in the next sentence. And since it was just one, it seems reasonable to conclude it is the most important – wisdom. He wrote, “If any of you lacks wisdom you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.” This added further encouragement to the Christians of the time and should as well currently – this is straight-forward. The clause “without finding fault” seems to either elude to or reference the mercy and grace God provides as he sees the Christian through the lens of Jesus – no fault (see Ephesians 1:7-10). Or it could mean the fault is doubt as the passage added, “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt. (Or it could be both.) The latter brings to memory Mark 9:14-29 when a man with a possessed son asked him to heal his son, but then asked to help him in his unbelief – in his doubt. God is so generous, that even if we doubt he can gives us the faith to then ask for wisdom. James emphasized the importance of wisdom with imagery a first century person would find compelling. He states that, “because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” Two images come to mind. One, when Jesus calms the storms after the disciples fear for their lives and doubt (see Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41 and Luke 8:22-25). Jesus told them they were to go to the other side of the lake – but they doubted. In the first and subsequent centuries the sea – especially a storm – was equivalent to chaos. When the Apostle John wrote in Revelation, “… and there was no more sea,” he used the same imagery – one day there will be no more chaos (see Revelation 21:1). To the first century Christians, being told that doubt equates to chaos would have sunk deeply into their hearts in a convicting manner. James continued, “That person would not receive anything from the Lord.” Chaos and order cannot exist at the same time; therefore, James wrote, “Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” We need the wisdom of God in order to navigate through the chaos of this world. We need his wisdom to persevere in times of trouble and persecution. We need his wisdom to stand up for our faith in the same way Jesus remained on the cross for our iniquities. Thank the Lord for his wisdom, mercy and grace.

(This devotion is not exhaustive but I believe touches the major points of this passage.)

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Renewal Series – 2 Corinthians 5:12 – New Creation

Renewal Series – 2 Corinthians 5:12 – New Creation

“Therefore, is anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17

When read with the preceding verses there is a connection to the what Jesus said to Peter and his disciples outside of Caesarea Philipi.

“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” – 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

Before Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, he explained something to his disciples they did not understand nor were they convinced – at first.

“… Jesus began to explain to his disciples that … he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” – Matthew 16:21. Simon Peter objected because as Jesus rebuke him, he “did not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” (v. 23). Peter’s concerns were for his friend, Jesus. He did not want to see his friend die. His mind was so focused on human concerns that he overlooked the fact that Jesus said, “on the third day be raised to life.” It is also conceivable that Peter had similar aspirations for who Jesus was – as many of Jesus’ followers had. That is, they thought he’d overthrow Rome as a political leader – an earthly king. (The world and its kingdoms are temporary.)

But Peter grew in his faith as it was tested over time, as did the disciples of Jesus and most certainly many of his followers throughout the region. Later, the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth to encourage them to do the same. He reminded them that Jesus died for all. He was raised for all “that those who live should no longer live for themselves.” In Matthew 16, Jesus stated, “‘For whoever wants to save their life will lose it…’” (v 25a). Peter did not understand this at first, but over time he came to a full realization of what it meant to “… regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.” – 2 Corinthians 5:16. There is no room for self when a person becomes a new creation in Jesus. There is no room for pride as Peter later wrote, “… All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because…” (1 Peter 5:5b), and then he quotes a Proverb, “… God opposes the proud, but shows favor to the humble.” This is how a follower of Christ should view Jesus for who he is, and how we should view others for who they are – creations of God who is eternal.

“Therefore, is anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17. Pride is dead. Humility lives. 

Renewal Series – 2 Corinthians 4:16 – The Temporary Versus the Eternal

Renewal Series – 2 Corinthians 4:16 – The Temporary Versus the Eternal

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” – 2 Corinthians 4:16

Death of the human body is inevitable. The aging process and the pains that accompany it, is unavoidable. But as God, Jesus is alive – for eternity (Matt. 28:6). This should give the believer hope. The human body is temporary. The spirit of Jesus within the believer is eternal. Therefore, it is by his spirit that we are “renewed day by day.” The Apostle Paul went on to write:

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Not only are there troubles with the human body but also many other kinds of troubles in life – from human conflict on a micro and macro scale to the persecution of his church, and those who endure it, to many other forms of temporary trouble. But again, the believer has hope. Hope in Jesus to renew us each day. Hope in that we will be with him for eternity. The human body is seen. Therefore, it is the unseen that matters because Jesus is eternal.  And one day, we will be able to see him in person! What a glorious day that will be!

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Renewal Series – Romans 12:2 – God’s Will

Renewal Series – Romans 12:2 – God’s Will

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2

Have you ever wanted to know what the will of God is? According to the Apostle Paul, we can know his will more clearly when we are in the process of renewing our minds. That is, to transform our worldview in a manner that abides with God. Paul starts with a warning, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world,…”  The pattern of this world is contrary to the will of God. As discussed previously, King David allowed himself to follow a path which led to adultery with Bathsheba. In Psalm 51:12, David writes in his confession, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.” David realized the only way to remain in the will of God was for his Creator to repair his spirit. Other words for “restore” include: “rebuild” or to “reinstate.” David asked God to rebuild what he had destroyed through his sexual impropriety. In the midst of his misconduct, David made other poor choices; one included the murder of his good friend, and Bathsheba’s husband. It was only after David pleaded with God to restore him was he then able to determine the will of God.

On a macro scale, the prophet Ezekiel wrote to the nation of Israel, “I [God] will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” – Ezekiel 36:26.

The prophet replayed the words of God to a nation that had rebelled in ways which included idolatry and sexual sin – they performed acts of misconduct similar to the foreign nations who did not consider God as their king and lord. But God promised that if his nation returned to him then he would restore them. Only in this restoration could his chosen nation know the will of God. Only if a nation returns to the words of God can it know correct decisions and actions to take. The pattern of this world leads to destruction (Matthew 23:1-12 and Luke 18:9-14). But God has the words of life (John 6:68). Life within the will of God.

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Renewal Series – Ephesians 4:22-24 - Old Person, New Person

Renewal Series – Ephesians 4:22-24

Old Person, New Person

The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus:

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

In the context of this passage Paul urged his readers to abandon old ways, that of greed, idolatry and sexual perversion (see verse 19). When he penned these words he was using the imagery of clothing – to remove an old, worn out garment and to put the new garment which the Spirit of God had given. The first of all the scriptures references righteousness as clothing:

“I put on righteousness as my clothing; justice was my robe …” – Job 29:14

 The prophet Isaiah wrote to the nation of Israel at a time when foreign nations had destroyed their cities and many of its own people were filled with greed and deceived by the unlawful practices of other nations:

“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me … to proclaim good news to the poor … to proclaim freedom … a garment of praise instead of s spirit of despair. … I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, …” – Isaiah 61: 1-3 and 10.

And the psalmist wrote as he referred to a person who lived a life of self:

“He wore cursing as his garment; it entered into his body like water, into his bones like oil.” – Psalm 109:18

The readers of Paul’s letter at the time would have been reminded of the Old Testament scriptures as a reminder of what to avoid, what to put off and what to discard. Instead of wearing the garment of a curse, Paul stressed “… to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” No longer is a Christ-follower to live a life of self and impurity.

Jesus told Nicodemus that “no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” (John 3:3). This implies a renewal of the old self into the new self. A Christ-follower is to literally discard the old person and to be born again as the new person. 

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Renewal Series - Psalm 51:10

No one on planet Earth is perfect. All of mankind has missed the mark of perfection. Whether in thought, attitude or action, we continue to miss that bullseye on the target of perfection. Nearly three thousand years ago, Kind David not only missed the mark, he aimed his bow in the opposite direction (Read 2 Samuel 11). After the prophet Nathan rebuked the king, David turned around, in his heart -- which is the definition of repentance (Read 2 Samuel 12). David wrote a psalm which reflected his repentant heart. In that psalm, he wrote of renewal.

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." - Psalm 51:10

And God restored the heart of David. Of course, David's actions of missing the mark had repercussions for generations. David was still not perfect. But God renewed his soul. God can do the same for any person no matter how far off a person has missed the mark. He is the healer and the Wonderful Counselor. 

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Mary's Song - A Christmas Devotional

Mary’s Song
 
God spoke to the priest Zechariah and told him his wife of mature years would have a child. In doubt, he questioned God. Zechariah was stricken from speech until his son was born – at which time he obeyed God with haste and named him John.
-      Luke 1:5-25
 
An angel of the Lord declared to Mary that she will “conceive and give birth to a son, and you will call him Jesus … he will be called the Son of the Most High, … and his kingdom will never end.” Mary questioned the angel, “How can this be since I am a virgin?” The angel said, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you … for no word from God will never fail.”
Without question, Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant.”
-      Luke 1:26-38 ESV – Paraphrase
 
After some troubling conversations with her family and her betrothed, Joseph, she went to visit her cousin Elizabeth who was also with child. Upon their greeting, Elizabeth’s baby leaped in her womb – the was John the Baptist. She said to her young cousin, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!”
-      Luke 1:39-45 ESV – Paraphrase
 
Then Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he had been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One had done great things for me – holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their in most thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but had lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.
-      Luke 1:46-55 ESV
 
Questions:
 
1) When God asks us to accomplish a task, how do we respond?
2) Zechariah questioned God and was disciplined. Mary questioned the angel and was not disciplined. Why?
a) What was the difference between the two? (*)
b) Do we simply agree as did Mary, or do we, in doubt or even in tempted disobedience, question God as did her cousin’s husband, Zechariah?
 
There is a Messianic and prophetic parallel written by Joseph’s ancestor, King David. The psalmist writes in chapter 98:
“Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The Lord as made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of God.
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst in jubilant song with music; make music with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn. Shout for joy before the Lord, the King.
Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the people with equity.”
 
Both Mary and David praise God. Both speak of coming judgment. Mary speaks of mercy and David of salvation – of saving grace.
 
Questions:
 
3) David was known by God as “a man after God’s own heart.” (*)
a) What is God’s heart like? I John tells us that “God is love,” and Jesus showed love, as he instructed his disciples, to “the least of these.”
b) Could God say the same about your heart? How is that evident in your actions?
4) The Holy Spirit came upon Mary in order for her to conceive the Son of God. As Christ-followers, we are filled with the Holy Spirit in order to fulfill his purposes. Do we quench that same Spirit, or do we obey?
5) When asked of God to accomplish his purposes, do we rejoice? Do we praise his name? Are we amazed that he would desire to use us? Provide past examples.
 
Now read the two passages but intertwined: Mary’s Song and David’s Psalm

New Covenant - Prophecy Series

"'The days are coming,' declares the Lord, 'when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah.'"

- Jeremiah 31:31

"This is the blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." [Jesus]

- Matthew 26:28

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Look Upon Jesus and Live! - Prophesy Series

 So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked up at the bronze snake, they lived.
- Numbers 21:9

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

- John 3:16

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No More Sin - Prophecy Series

 Seventy "sevens" are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the Most Holy Place."

- Daniel 9:24

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will God and Father, to whom be the glory for ever and ever."

- Galatians 1:3-5

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Messiah Will Need to Travel to Egypt - Prophecy Series

"When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son."

- Hosea 11:1

So he [Joseph] got up, took the child [Jesus] and his mother [Mary] during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the LORD had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son."

- Matthew 2:14-15

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