James 1:9-11

v9-11 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation and the rich is his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man  fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

We are still in the same line of through from verse 2-18. Although we are breaking it in chunks bear in mind it is yet one dialogue. James here switches from being steadfast to addressing he have and the have-not within the body. That money or lack their of can serve both as trial and temptation. Trial, whereas, not having enough can cause one to concern, and having enough can cause apathy. It goes much deeper than that but the trial can come from the situation of either being poor or rich. 

The temptation comes from how one handles the trial. To the poor- does envy, jealousy, covetousness, anger come in as they see those in a different circumstance? To the rich- does apathy, greed, ill regard to those who do not have, lack of generosity or pride come out of being blessed to that regard?

James its leveling the playing field. He is reminding both rich and poor that at the end of the day, each day it is Christ. That at the end of our lives, it is Christ. We come with nothing, we leave with nothing. 1 Peter 1:24 All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of the grass. The grass withers and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever."

This is from Isaiah 40:6-7 which says the same and Psalm 103:15-16 which again reminds us that "as for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower in the field; for the wind passes over it and it is gone, and its place knows no more."

Death is the great equalizer. We will all die. All of our lives are like a blade of grass, here today and gone tomorrow. This is not said to be discouraging or sorrowful- but sobering and of good reminder. Are we investing in this that do not matter? Do we put so much effort into cultivating flowers that flourish (money, wealth, possessions, titles) that we soon forget it will all wither away? But the WORD of the LORD stands forever!

I am attaching a sermon today on Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor... because as we discussed in the beginning of this study many see James as a commentary on the Sermon on the Mount. What does Jesus himself say on this topic? It is carried through both the Old and New Testament having been intentionally brought up and taught again and again. We must learn to examine our hearts and situations and ask ourselves...do we view Christ as our ultimate riches? Do we think truly of Salvation as our greatest gift? To those who are of humble estate is Christ our greatest desire? And to those who have plenty- does Christ remain our greatest satisfaction?

1 Peter 1:25 goes on to say "And this word is the good news that was preached to you." Friend, if you sat under solid teaching of the word you are of the highest of heirs. You have heard the good news of Salvation. Pray about whom you can share this eternal wealth with. Jesus Christ is the Living Water, that will never cause thirst again. May we be reminded of our time, how it is fading and keep our eyes set on that which is not- Jesus Christ our Lord. 

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