Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation…

James 1:9

NKJV

 

 

        Many religions have woven in their teachings the idea of a future utopia or a better personal state of peace and tranquility for the soul. And most have some form of punishment for evil and reward for good. But, only Christianity contains the idea of reversal and transformation.

        Christianity declares the certainty of one thing becoming something else in terms of its very nature and being—darkness becomes light, the wicked become the righteous, and sinners become saints. The gospel declares the possibility of a change of status by reversing the curse of sin. In Christ, we are supernaturally changed from what we were into something completely different. 

        James says “let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation.” He only applies this to the “brother” in Christ, a fellow believer who was extremely poor or disadvantaged. Here we see that sometimes the thing we despise and so desperately wish to escape, may be the very thing God is using to draw us to Himself, and teach us to live in the hope of the gospel.

        The NASB says believers in “humble circumstances” should rejoice in their “high position.” As children of God, we have been made new creatures and exalted before Him. In His grace, God has lifted us out of our sinful state, a state where we were only worthy of death. And by His grace, one day we will be lifted above all the heartache and sorrow of this world.

        Our Lord promised us that in His kingdom “the last will be first, and the first last” Matthew 20:16. He said “Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man's sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven” Luke 6:22-23. The lowly status of some believers (their humility, their poverty) is a sign to the world that earthly status means nothing in the kingdom of God. The poor and lowly believer becomes a living illustration of the reversal of circumstances that awaits those in Christ. Soon their situation will be forever changed. Therefore, they have every reason to rejoice!

        Those who are poor in the things of this world, but are walking with Christ, are the wealthiest people on earth because they are rich in Christ! They have the blessing and favor of God in ways those of high status can’t imagine. I love Proverbs 13:7. It says “There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.” Blessed are those who refuse to wallow in the despair of their lowly circumstances by looking forward to eternal life with Christ; and to the wealth and joy of treasures in heaven that moth and rust cannot destroy (Matt 6:20).

 

        Believer, are you suffering in lowliness in some way? Take heart, the reversal is coming!  Though you are overwhelmed by: poverty, brokenness, heartache, or injustice, rejoice that you are of high status before God. Humble yourself and trust that He will exalt you in due time (1 Peter 5:6).