Digging Deeper James 5:1-3

Last night in a brief conversation with some sisters in the Lord, we were talking about the falleness of the world because of sin. It occurred to me to ask - "I wonder if the effects of sin reach through the entire universe or whether they are earth-bound." In other words, God created billions and billions of galaxies; did the fall in the Garden of Eden impact all of His creation or just the part man is part of? -- I don't know the answer but it made me stop and think. It's really not even that important because we know for certain that our world is depraved, decaying and dying. The effects of sin influence every aspect of creation and life.

James 5:1-3
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days.

Commentary:
James 5:1-6 Warning to the rich. James turns his attention from business people...to wealthy landowners... who controlled much of Galilee, and indeed much of the Roman Empire. He denounces them for their materialistic accumulation of wealth, for defrauding their workers, and for their self-indulgent actions that have led to the deaths of innocent, righteous people.

Weep and howl. Prophetic language for those under indictment by God when the day of the Lord arrives...miseries that are coming. Referring to final judgment, rather than the miseries of this life.

Riches, garments, and gold sum up the sumptuous, materialistic lifestyle of these landowners. These things will not only be lost forever but will be evidence at their final trial before God and will feed the very flames of the lake of fire, where they will spend eternity. [ESV Study Bible Study notes pg. 2398]

Blessings,
Diane

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.

It's finally here!!! Crossing the Jordan: Living Victoriously in Difficult Relationships by Diane Hunt, MaryAnn Kiernan, DeEtta Marsh, Stephanie Paul and Betsy Shoppy (several of our Victory Call writers). Today's Victory Call is just a taste of what you will find in this Bible Study for women. Although it was originally written for wives of men in addiction it has already been a blessing to women from various circumstances and relationships: moms, siblings, daughters, wives, fiancees' etc. Most of the 14 chapters are applicable to any woman in any situation. To secure your own copy contact America's Keswick Guest Services 732.350.1187 $16.00. If you have any questions contact Diane Hunt at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.