Crandell
In the New Testament book of James, a beautiful truth emerges about God making people rich. But we must understand the context of the passage and read the entire verse to appreciate the kind of wealth that is being offered. The verse reads, “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?” James 2:5.
The context of this passage teaches us that the poor are being discriminated against and given the worst seats in the house. They are being treated with lesser value than those with more social status, material wealth, and fancier clothes. But God sees the poor differently, and how you see someone is how you treat someone.
God makes the poor rich…in faith. Being rich in spiritual blessings like faith, joy, hope, love, life, grace, power, grace, and strength and goodness is what God promises throughout scripture. Spiritual blessings can and should overflow in our lives and splash out on others.
In the famous “Beatitude” sermon in Luke 6, Jesus says, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” The message is clear from both James and James; one doesn’t have to be materially rich to be spiritually rich and inherit the kingdom that God has promised to those who love him.
God wants us to be spiritually rich with his spiritual blessings, and the proof is in his amazing sacrifice. I love how the Apostle Paul speaks about what Christ did to make us rich, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” II Corinthians 8:9
God wants us to be rich so much that he gave up his wealth to make it so. He emptied himself by coming to earth, living like a man, and dying for us. He became poor…on purpose! And it was all to make us spiritually rich. You can be as rich with his spiritual blessings as you desire. If you want more love, he has more to give. If you want more hope, it can overflow in your life. If you need your tank filled with more joy, he has plenty of resources. Why not live the rest of your life as one of the wealthiest people in the world and let God make you rich in faith?
Donny Crandell is pastor at Gardnerville Crossroads Church.