God’s Perspective – Page 18 – Three Minute Bible

December 24, 2019December 25, 2019

Santa’s List – James 1: 10-11

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.

James’ letter is a lot like Santa’s List. Most of us have heard about Santa Clause, and how, like God, he knows if we have been “naughty” or “nice.” The modern legend of Santa goes back to a real-life believer in God, a man whom we know as Saint Nicholas.

Like St. Nick, James is concerned about how people behave toward each other and whether or not having material possessions is clouding their judgment. Why would this be a problem for the early church?

December 21, 2019December 22, 2019

Position – James 1: 9

Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.

James presents us with an interesting challenge here: What is the difference between “circumstances” and “position?”

The term “circumstance” generally refers to something both external and material. Oftentimes it refers to a person’s financial situation. People without money are in “poor circumstances.” But James recognizes that being poor in material things has little to nothing to do with one’s “position” in life.

Why?

Does James have some special insight here? I think he does.

December 17, 2019December 18, 2019

The Eternal Perspective – James 1: 4

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

I was reading Ecclesiastes yesterday. Chapter 1 begins, “‘Meaningless! Meaningless!’ says the Teacher…” “Everything is meaningless.” I pondered this attitude of Solomon’s wondering what it means. As I thought about it, I realized that compared to being in the presence of God, everything in this life actually is meaningless.

God’s values are not man’s values. We saw this in the words and actions of Jesus as we studied John’s gospel. Jesus is not from around here, a fact made evident by his the way he talked and what he did.

I believe the Bible is consistent on this point. It seems so in this passage from James. He wants us to be “mature and complete, not lacking anything.” It is up to us, his readers, to decipher what “thing” he is talking about!