Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12 KJV
The Context:
James, who wrote this book, would know what he was talking about here. Here was a disciple, brother to John, sons of Zebedee, whose mum had come to Jesus secretly to negotiate privileged sitting for her sons at the side of Jesus in His kingdom. After seeing the mighty miracles that Jesus performed, they must have thought that this would be an easy kingdom, one that would please them and work in their favour. Jesus' response to the brothers was a question: Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? I do not think they understood what this cup and baptism meant, but they answered: "We are able". And their requests were granted.
The Message:
Fast forward a short while later, king Herod had James beheaded; no fanfare, no special announcement, just a simple execution. John was banished alone to an island, maybe after attempts to take his life failed. Whatever else it is that I may have learnt from walking with God, two things are evident from today's extract:
1. Be careful what you ask for. The path to your desired impact lies through the crucible of temptation and trial. I am yet to see a man who was 'used' by God who didn't have to go through tough times. As I cry to God to use me for His glory, have I settled it with God to embrace whatever path He has chosen for me?
2. Trials are a non-negotiable part of my training and upbringing as a disciple of Jesus. I get to choose what I will be: a disciple or a graduate of God's school. I can't be both at the same time, as the one who has graduated is no longer subject to the dictates and regimen of the school of discipleship.
Am I still in God's school or have I left? I need to check recent events around my life: does it feel like God is still able to teach me things or has He left me to my own devises Because I am unreachable, untrainable and unteachable?
There is a blessedness in the path of trials and temptations. There are lessons that I cannot learn unless they are disguised as trials. A lot of my pursuits and priorities are refined in the crucible of trials. Whatever grand plans James had were suspended as he sat waiting for the king to determine his fate. Can God hold my heart this way, knowing that I am ready to drop all in my hands at His command? Do I keep my plans fluid enough for God to disrupt them when he chooses?
NOTE: He does not promise that the trials will come to an end before the end of my earthly life. What He promises is a crown of life if my love for Him is greater and deeper than the experiences He permits. There is no guarantee that the pain will end on this side of eternity, but we have a sure word of God that no matter what this earthly plane holds in store, that which God promises lasts forever.
The Response:
I must therefore sort out my priorities. What holds my heart: the temporal things of the world or the eternal blessings of life? Crowns depict kingship and authority, and when I have obtained eternal life, what could be greater than that? What can the world give me that will beat what God offers? If I am a true disciple of Christ, I am already seated with Christ over all situations and circumstances, but God will permit trials so that I can know the value of what I hold now and what I looking forward to. God's blessings are also tied to experience, not just knowledge. If I have been promised something, the God who is faithful can be trusted to keep his own end of the bargain. He waits on me: would I cooperate with Him? Would I trust Him with my life? His time of favour is here.
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