The Rich Made Low and Passing Away James 1:10

After exhorting the “twelve tribes which are scattered abroad” concerning the “faith” they were to have in trials, James encouraged the “brother of low degree” to “rejoice in that he is exalted”. In chapter one and verse ten of his letter, James turned his attention toward those who are “rich” in this world. We read:

But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

The verse begins, “But the rich, in that he is made low:” James began with the word, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated, “the rich” which refers to “a wealthy person who is abounding in material resources”, “in that he” which refers to the “rich” person“is made low” which means “of low estate, abased, made little and humbled”. Those who are “rich” in this world's goods are to “rejoice” when they are “humbled” before the Lord.

The verse goes on to say, “because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.” James added, “because” or “that, since and on account of” “as the flower” which means “the blossom of flowers” “of the grass” or “grazing fields, herbage, hay, provender, green grass and growing crops” “he shall pass away” which means “pass by, perish and move forward”. The “rich” person should realize their status and means are temporary in this world because before they know it, they shall be here no more.

When we consider these words of James, we realize the temporary nature of the “riches” of this world. Sometimes “riches” elevate people in their own minds to believe themselves to be “just a little bit better” than those who do not have means. James exhorted his “rich” readers to “rejoice” when they are “humbled” before the Lord, and this easily happens when they realize all things are truly the Lord's, and He can distribute them as He wills. The “rich” “shall pass way” like the “grass and flower” of the field which explains why it is important to know that only through a relationship with Jesus Christ can he or she be truly eternally “rich”. May all who read these words take heed.

Next time James shares how the “sun” affects the “grass”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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