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Web Devotional
Inspiration by E-Mail for the Week of February 7, 2010
WHAT COMES FROM GOD
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures." (James 1:17-18)
In writing about temptation, James wanted us to know that temptation to evil never comes from God. To emphasize that idea, James with use a point of contrast – telling us what does come from God: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above." We expect no true goodness from our own fallen natures and from those who would entice us. But "every good and every perfect gift" comes from God the Father in heaven.
Of course, we must measure the ultimate goodness of any gift on an eternal scale. Something that may seem to be only good (such as winning a lottery) may in fact turn to our destruction.
James also wanted us to know that God's goodness was constant.
He wrote, "With whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." God's goodness never changes. There is no variation with Him. Instead of shadows, God is the Father of lights.
According to D. Edmund Hiebert, the ancient Greek here actually reads "the Father of the lights." He believes that the specific lights are the celestial bodies that light up the sky, both day and night.
The sun and stars never stop giving light, even when we can't see them. Even so, there is never a shadow with God. When night comes the darkness isn't the fault of the sun; it shines as brightly as it ever does. Instead, part of the earth turns from the sun, and darkness comes.
Simply said, this means that God never changes. Among modern theologians, there are some that are taken with something called process theology, which says that God is "maturing" and "growing"
and "in process" Himself. Yet the Bible says that "there is no variation or shadow of turning" with God.
James continues: "Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth." James understood that the gift of salvation was given by God, and not earned by the work or obedience of man. It is of His own will that He brought us forth for salvation.
"That we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures." We can see God's goodness in our salvation, as He initiated our salvation of His own will and brought us forth to spiritual life by His word of truth, that we might be to His glory as firstfruits of His harvest.
In the previous verses James told us what the lust of man brings
forth: sin and death. Here he tells us what the will of the good God
brings: salvation to us, as "a kind of firstfruits of His creatures."
James may refer to his own generation of believers when he calls them firstfruits, especially as being mainly written to Christians from a Jewish background. The fact that these Christians from a Jewish background are firstfruits (Deuteronomy 26:1-4) shows that James expected a subsequent and greater harvest of Christians from a Gentile background.
Think about it: God will often do a work, and mean it to be a small sign and evidence of a greater work to come. What He has done in your life is likely an indication of a much greater work He wants to do in and through you.
By David Guzik
For Bible Study resources by David Guzik, go to: www.enduringword.com/library_commentaries.htm
Recommended Reading
"New Testament Study Guide" by Pastor Chuck
Further your study of the New Testament with Pastor Chuck Smith. Explore the Gospels, Epistles, the Book of Acts, and Revelation with useful maps, definitions, teaching excerpts, charts and diagrams, and study questions.
Available in the Chapel Store - $9.89
"Old Testament Study Guide" by Pastor Chuck Smith
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The ideal accompaniment to any Bible. Are you ready to give an answer to anyone, anywhere, who might ask you about Jesus Christ? The only way to be prepared is to know and to memorize the Scriptures. The Old Testament Study Guide was designed to enhance your knowledge of the Bible quickly and easily. Pastor Chuck Smith has written a verse-by-verse overview of the Old Testament to help everyone study the Bible more effectively. As you place the Old Testament Study Guide next to your Bible, you'll discover key words that define Hebrew words commonly found in the Old Testament; excerpts of Calvary Chapel Distinctives; biblical maps, charts, and diagrams to help visualize the text; and study questions for each book.
Available in the Chapel Store - $9.89