Rich Man, Poor Man

Dear Mosaic,

Our study of James is coming to a close, but James isn't done yet with the Jewish Christians he admonished in Chapter 4 for planning to work and accrue wealth in their strength rather than seek the Kingdom of God before making their plans. As his half-brother Jesus did before him, James chastises the rich and vividly describes "the misery that is coming on you" (James 5:1).

If you read Jesus' declaration in the Book of Matthew, "Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God" (Matthew 19:24), and James' words in Chapter 5, and you might think rich people are automatically condemned to Hell. Of course, that isn't true because we know "That if you confess with your mouth,' Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9).

So what is James talking about? And what is his message to those who aren't rich but are suffering? Let's examine the Scriptures and grow in our understanding together.

I look forward to being with you this Sunday!

Blessings,

Ron Miller