James speaks this as if we should grasp it, not as an option, but as an expected reality. After all, the scripture calls us to walk humbly with God (Micah 5:5), and promises to honor those who honor Him (1 Sam. 2:30).
Therefore, as Christians, we are called to lowliness. For just as Christ our King walked with all authority, but as a servant, so should we walk as the least in the midst of a gathering, ready to wash the feet of others, even those who would seek to trample us (Jesus washed the feet of Judas). 1:10, “but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away.” But as the expectation is for the lowly to be exalted, so shall the rich man glory in his humiliation. For if man makes himself nothing before the face of God, God will make of him a mighty thing, that by the “foolish things of this world” He may “confound the wise” (1 Cor. 1;27). But if a man seeks his own treasure and glory, surely he receives nothing from the Lord, and the Lord Himself will humble him. Rather it is publicly or on the great and terrible day to come, where every knee bows, and every tongue makes confession, all men who exalt their own name, will be humbled. But James continues, 1:11, “For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.” We find this as a very fast unfolding of events. For in all the splendor of this world, as soon as the sun rises, the flower withers and the splendor passes away. Not only does this depict a fall of those who make themselves rich, but it also stands in complete contrast to the man depicted in Psalm 1, whose delight is in the Lord and who meditates on His law day and night. We see the man who delights in himself will be scorched and fade away, but he who delights in the Lord shall be like a tree planted by rivers of waters that bring fruit in its season; whose leaf also shall not wither, and whatever he does shall prosper (Psalm 1:2-3). When we make ourselves low, the Lord exalts us, for His own glory, but when we lose focus on to whom glory truly belongs, we end up chasing fame, fortune, and worthless pursuits, and in the process, we ourselves fade away. But let everyone who is rich find glory in their own humiliation, for God’s will is to give to those who have none, and walk as if you were of no greater importance or position than anyone else…. Because you are not. God will exalt the lowly and humble the self-exalted. Let us all therefore, walk as poor in Spirit (Matthew 5:3), while being rich in faith. Go, and be blessed.
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Darrin MillerWorking for the Lord. Archives
October 2016
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