Daily Bible Reading – 9.21.2021
James 2:1-4, My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
James continues the rich/poor theme with a conversation concerning favoritism. He clearly admonishes believers not to show special attention to the sharp dresser over the one poorly clothed.
James repeats what Jesus often spoke about in elevating oneself or others based on social standing. Jesus said that one should not take the most prized seat or put oneself first. Instead, choose the less prominent seat at a party and last place in line, and you just may get moved up to a better place. That would be far better than being asked to leave your prized position for a less desirable one.
Judging others based on external appearance reminds me of Samuel who observed Jesse’s sons by their outward appearance in order to select and anoint one of them as the next king of Israel. However, God said “No” to each of his choices. It was the young shepherd boy David that God had his eye on. We learn from that story that we have a tendency to look at the outward appearance while God looks at the heart, the very essence of who we are.
James says in discriminating for the rich over the poor is to do so with evil in mind. Discrimination involving social status, skin color, gender, or nationality is not holy and pleasing to the Lord. The Apostle Paul said in the midst of our many differences, when we put on Christ Jesus, we are all one. Jesus levels the playing field for everyone.
Questions to Consider:
When have we been judged by our outward appearance for good or ill? When do we make judgments of others based on outward appearance?
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.