RPG Adults
TRUE EXALTATION
MONDAY, OCTOBER 10
James 1:9-10
Matthew 5:1-9
“Blessed are the poor in spirit:
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
TRUE EXALTATION
James understands the struggles of the dispersed Christians, who had difficulty providing for their basic needs. Around them are thriving Jews who continue to live according to the Old Testament laws and seem to be doing well. Most of them are even living comfortably in their abundance.
Not based on social status: A brother who may be looked down on as having a low social status by the world must understand what the true standard is. Even though he is lowly and persecuted, his actual state in God’s eyes may be the opposite. God has already destined him to live in His kingdom forever. Nonetheless, in His good plan, the Lord chooses to let him remain on this earth to be the salt and light of this world.
Not based on economic status: The lowly brother must not envy the rich unbelievers around him. Their riches will not abide with them forever. As the flower of the grass, their wealth shall pass away. To “pass away” (James 1:10) refers to coming to an end. Their riches will perish and disappear. The boastings of the rich are foolish and preposterous. They will only last for a moment, and soon will be gone.
James encourages the discouraged believers that they must remember their high position in the Lord. They must keep on looking at life from God’s perspective, and see with their spiritual eyes the truth of their status. They must understand that the trial allowed by God has a purpose. They have a special mission to accomplish for God. Their reward is not on this earth, but beyond the heavens and skies in the New Jerusalem! Material riches are not the accurate measure of exaltation. A believer has the right to glory in God who grants him eternal riches that will not fade away. Which one would you prefer: a temporal exaltation, or an eternal one?
Dear reader, if God is testing your faith today, praise the Lord! Your loving Father in heaven wants to remind you that, even though cast down, you already have the most glorious position in His Kingdom!
THOUGHT: Am I envious of the materially rich?
PRAYER: Father, help me to understand the truth that Thou hast already secured me an exalted position in the Kingdom.