Listen up, little ones
Listen for the words poor, rich, clothes.
Reading
James 1:27-2:13 — The Lord of Glory
Optional Reading
Psalm 24:1-10
Keys for kids
- God's glory is seen in Jesus.
- We have favor with God in Jesus.
- We don't need to seek glory from the rich.
Questions
- How should we treat the rich and the poor?
- Why do we sometimes play favorites with the rich?
- What do we have in Christ the glory?
Notes
(See Saturday for authors.)
How we treat the rich and the poor indicates our individual and corporate discipleship. James points out the sinful tendency to be attracted to those who are rich, famous, glamorous, beautiful, and powerful, while subtly despising those who lack the marks of social status. He introduces the topic with an interesting Greek construction that literally calls to us as believers in "our Lord Jesus Christ, the Glory." This provides us with an unusual title for our Savior.
In the Bible, God's glory is sometimes manifested in the cloud of angels and people gathered around him. God's glory-cloud accompanies beautiful lights and great sounds. Moreover, God's glory shades and protects his people. If Jesus is the Glory, the rich and powerful of this world are nothing in comparison. We need not curry favor with the fading glory of the wealthy and mighty. We already have favor with Christ the Glory.
James writes that we need to use the eyes of faith to discern true glory. Anyone united to Christ the Glory enjoys riches and power far beyond that of any politician or wealthy person. The man or woman without earthly money and nice clothes has true glory.
R.C. Sproul, Before the Face of God: Book 4: A Daily Guide for Living from Ephesians, Hebrews, and James.
Swedish Method questions
Praise
Psalm 8a, 51d
Prayer
- Rejoice that you are united to Christ, the Glory.
- Pray for a specific application from yesterday's sermons.
- Pray for a member of our church, for your family, and for a non-Christian friend/family member.