5 Listen, my dear brothers: Didn’t God choose the poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that He has promised to those who love Him?
One of my commentaries wrote, “The best manuscripts read, “those poor in respect to the world.” In contrast to “the rich in this world”. When we consider those poor in respect to the world, we immediately think of financial wealth and security. The poor don’t have that power and security, so that class is more likely to have the need for a savior.
Freedom is open to everyone, freedom to be rich in faith. Where are we putting our trust? In the things of the world? This verse is about our attitude, do we love God? If we love God, it is manifested in where we store our treasures. In Luke 12:21, he reminds us that one who stores up treasures for himself, is not rich toward God.
21 “That’s how it is with the one who stores up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
As we reflect on this verse today, would we rather be rich in God’s eyes or the worlds? I want to be rich in the faith and that means that my trust has to be in God first and foremost. What can we do today to demonstrate love for others?
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (Jas 2:5). (Lk 12:21). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.
Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 487). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
