James 1:9-12

COMMENTS

The Bible is full of passages that, on the surface, seem to have nothing to do with the passages around them.  They seem to be just thrown in randomly.  Yet, my God is a God of order, not chaos; so, I’ve come to believe that those passages require extra thought, extra prayer, and extra contemplation because He put them there for a reason.  One such passage is in today’s reading.

 

NOTES

At first glance, James 1:9-11 seems to have nothing to do with what James has been talking about.  Earlier in verses 2-8, he discussed perseverance under trial, its goal of maturity, and how God will meet my need for wisdom if I ask without doubting.  In verse 12 he goes back to the subject of perseverance.  However, seemingly unrelated thoughts are thrown in between the two discussions.  I had to read and re-read this a number of times and cover those readings with prayers and petitions for Him to show me how the verses fit.  Even now, my thoughts are “wispy”, not completely formed.  But here’s a stab at explaining what I believe the Lord is saying.

In verses 9-11, James addresses the “brother in humble circumstances” and the “one who is rich”.  His descriptions, though, are upside down from how the world thinks of people in these two classes:  the humble man has a high position and the rich man has a low position.  Doesn’t it take Godly wisdom to view earthy things from a heavenly standpoint?  And when this is me we’re talking about, all my history and insecurities get involved!  It’s easy for me to look at someone else in humble circumstances and tell them they have just as much value as the rich guy sitting a few seats over.  But when we’re talking about me, all my old insecurities start screaming at me and reminding me how unworthy I am.  The only way I overcome that is by receiving the wisdom God offers and not doubting His word.

Often, the poor man is dealing with issues of self-worth.  Often, the rich man is dealing with pride.  (Notice that I said “often”!  Not everyone in these categories fit those descriptions.)  Did you notice that extra words are given to the rich man?  He is reminded that he’s going to die and that all his riches will be destroyed.  Both men need wisdom to recognize who they really are in Christ.  They are both loved, and they are equal.

The other thought I had is that going through the process of recognizing, accepting, and living as who I really am in Christ is one of the trials I face.  It’s not an easy thing for a poor person to learn to value herself.  It’s, also, not an easy thing for a rich person whose value and self-esteem are based on those riches to think less of herself.  The lowly is raised up; the high is brought low.  They are on level ground when they stand before their Maker.  And He rewards them with the “crown of life” that he “promised to those who love him” (verse 12).

So, I ask God for wisdom as I persevere through my trials (including the one of recognizing who I am in Christ); and when I have passed the test, He gives me the crown of life because He promised to give it to me if I love Him.

Hallelujah!