Daily Bible Reading – 9.20.2021
James 1:9-11, 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 withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
In these verses, James gives us a practical illustration of how a believer, using God’s gift of wisdom, can consider their trials as pure joy. This requires spiritual insight above and beyond that which we can naturally acquire.
Those who have been scattered away from Jerusalem by persecution have found themselves in financially poor conditions. As we will see in other Scriptures this week, those who are described as rich are not being condemned because they have wealth but because they are poor stewards and are unjust in their dealings with the poor.
Believers in these poor circumstances should actually see where they are seated. Paul describes it for us in Ephesians 2:6 that they are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms. Think about what this means. This is the highest position in the universe! This is reason to think joyfully!
In comparison, those who are poor stewards of wealth and yet applauded for their exalted earthly exploits should, actually, recognize they are in the most-lowly position. If they are Christians, they should stop focusing on their wealth and focus on their identification with Jesus. If they are non-Christians, then it speaks of their judgment that is to come unless they change their ways.
The wealthy should remember that riches are fleeting and not find comfort or hope in them. Christianity turns worldly values on their head—exalting the humble and humbling the exalted.
Question to Consider:
How does thinking of your highly exalted position as being seated with Christ adjust your thinking about what you are to most value in this world?
Weekly Memory Verse:
James 2:12-13, Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.