So far in our study of the Epistle of James we have seen how the brother of our Lord has summoned all believers in Christ to a life of “joy”—even when our lives are made turbulent and difficult by the “various kinds of trials” that we often encounter (1:2). And this life of “joy” is made possible by what we know to be true with absolute certainty—that by means of these same difficulties and struggles the Lord is producing “steadfastness” in each of us, and is bringing us forward to greater Christian maturity and Christlike virtue (1:3-4). What happens in our lives, then, is not accidental or random but comes to us from the hand of the One who sits enthroned over all things and loves us with an eternal love that will never abandon us or fail! However, we have also learned that the acquisition of “wisdom,” God’s “wisdom” that comes to us as His gracious gift, is needed in order to view life and circumstances in this way—from the perspective of eternity (1:5-8).

But then, in verses 9-11, we find James giving us two illustrations of what he has been talking about. He will speak of two of the circumstances of life that we might “meet” as we follow the Lord Jesus. And these are representative of the many kinds of difficulties that we face along the way. Now, James could have well chosen from an endless list of possible circumstances that we could encounter, both pleasant and unpleasant. Included would be good health or sickness, an unexpected gain or the loss of something or someone that we love, any kind of calamity or season of peace, a relational struggle or victory, a financial reversal or promotion, or a time of deep spiritual doubt or profound assurance, and the like. But here James has chosen two examples from life that are most common and very easy to understand—poverty and wealth. In verse 9 he will speak of the “lowly brother,” the one who is poor and is suffering through a time of material and financial need. And then in verses 10-11 he will speak of the one who is “rich,” or the one who is experiencing a time of great abundance and material prosperity. Despite the obvious and major differences in these two life-situations, his command to both has to do with boasting! Both are to rejoice, but in different things. And, both are to see their respective circumstances as a test of their faith leading to the production of endurance and maturity!

On Sunday we will begin exploring the riches of this section of Holy Scripture, and I know that the Lord has a word for each of us. Thank you for your fervent prayers as we come together for worship and the proclamation of the Word of God.