Meditation

Hi there,

Today's verses again underscore the importance of showing no partiality based on status in human relationships.

David Guzik's commentary (linked below) makes the point that riches are often an obstacle to entering the Kingdom of God. He quotes theologian F.B. Meyer, noting that while a rich man may trust God, a poor man must trust Him because he has no other fortress.​

James directly associates this with the "royal law", love your neighbor as yourself. The law is absolute and comprehensive.

The bad news is: Breaking the law by just one point makes us completely guilty of violating all of God's standards.

The good news is: Jesus’s death and resurrection mean we no longer have to keep score!

Today's verses are James 2:5-11. Yesterday's verses are in grey for context and catch-up.

Favoritism Forbidden

2

My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. ² 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.​

³ 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,” ⁴ have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?​
​
​⁵ Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?​

⁶ But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? ⁷ Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?​

⁸ If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. ⁹ But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.

¹⁰ For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. ¹¹ For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.

Encouragement

²⁹  Do not plot harm against your neighbor,
who lives trustfully near you.
​³⁰  Do not accuse anyone for no reason—
when they have done you no harm.​

Proverbs 3:29-30

Andy

Today's email is coming from Scotland, where I am staying for a family wedding. It would be great to hear where you're receiving this today. Hit reply and let me know. I personally read all the emails.

God's Word In Your Hand

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David Guzik's Enduring Word is a great resource for anyone wanting to work through the Bible verse by verse. This sermon on James 2 is very helpful as a complement to this week's copy work.

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