Sometimes it seems the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer. It seems this way because sometimes it is this way! But we would be amiss not to look both deeper and further down the road. There is a spiritual and eternal realm to consider. Perspective is vital for our continued faithfulness and it is rooted in the faithfulness of our God. Let’s consider the text of James 1:9-11.
PERSPECTIVE FOR THE LOWLY BROTHER (v. 10)
The “lowly brother” is the child of God who has little of this world’s goods. Some versions use the word “poor” here but this is not the most common word for poor. James uses the word tapeinos, which means “lowly or humble.” James is no doubt referring to the poor brother (seen in contrast with the rich in the same verse), but he also brings out their “lowly spirit” (opposed to the often proud or arrogant rich). While certainly disadvantaged materially, the “lowly brother” has some things going for him.
First, God deeply cares for the poor and demands justice for them. This is clearly seen within the Law of Moses (see Dt. 15:11; 24:10-15; Lev. 23:22). Perhaps less considered is the oppression of the poor seen in the prophets, and yet God’s watchful eye and promise of justice. For example, Micah 2:2 states concerning the rich, “They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them away; they oppress a man and his house, a man and his inheritance.” The next verse goes on to note the coming judgment of God upon such oppression. God sees. God cares. God is a God of justice.
Secondly, the poor brother actually has a distinct advantage over the rich. The Gospel, in a sense, is for the poor! (see Lk. 4:18; Jam. 2:5; Lk. 14:12-14). Of course, this does not mean that God saves and condemns based on such outward circumstances, but the truth is that the poor tend to be much more receptive to the saving Gospel. Their “lowly spirit” permits them to more easily receive the Gospel of hope. This is not an advantage to be winked at! (Consider the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16.)
PERSPECTIVES ON THE RICH (vv. 10-11)
Perhaps the main question that arises in these verses is whether James is referring to rich brethren or not. In other words, does the designation of “brother” also apply to the rich described here?
In my view, it does not refer to rich brethren but the rich of the world. Here are two of the main reasons for this conclusion: (1) If these rich are brethren, then James’ argument seems to be rather peculiar… the rich boasting that they and their pursuits will end “mid-stream.” (2) This also seems consistent with the way it is used in Psalms 37:2, from which James quotes. (It should be noted, however, that very similar language is used elsewhere concerning the life of both the good and the evil (see Ps. 102:11; 103:15; Is. 40:6; Mt. 6:30).
If we are correct in that the rich mentioned here are not brethren, then the meaning is one of consolation for the poor Christians James is addressing. It should be of great encouragement to understand that the rich are not as advantaged as it may seem. Their “blessedness” is but for a season, while the child of God is born of imperishable seed (see 1 Pt. 1:22-25). Jesus says, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Mt. 6:19-21) The glory of the rich man is fading quickly!
APPLICATIONS
- Our envy of the position of others ought to quickly be tempered by the riches we have in Christ Jesus! Clearly, we are not the one’s who should have envy!
- Most Christians who read this are living considerably above the standards of the majority of the world. Let’s make sure our true treasure is in heaven (Mt. 6:19) and be certain we aren’t blinded by the god of this world (2 Cor. 4:4).
- Let us always remember that Jesus became poor that we might be spiritually rich and live eternally with Him (see 2 Cor. 8:9). Give thanks for Him!
- Always live humbly before God and your fellow man. The real and eternal exaltation will be given by Him! (1 Pt. 5:6).
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 5:3).
Daren Schroeder