He Does The Work
In James 1:18 we read “In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures (NASB)” Wow, what a tough one here! When I encounter verses that are filled with a lot of obscure words or phrases that are seemingly much deeper than first glance, I do one of two things (or both). I either turn to the Message paraphrase, or I ask my husband (who knows all about research). Both prove to be helpful!
In the Message version, it says, “He brought us to life using the true Word, showing us off as the crown of all his creatures.” This is much more manageable!
The first thing that I notice is that it is HE who does the work – it is HE who brings us to new life as a result of his powerful, truthful Word. It is the Word of God that transforms us and makes us the person he created us to be (the crown of all his creatures). It is the Gospel alone that has transformative power, not some other document or other religious books. John 17:17 says, “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.”
Simply stated: It is by the Word of God we are set apart, we are sanctified, and we become God’s golden children of creation.
What this also says is that we must actually live like the Word says we are to live. The work of the Gospel is to lead to life.
We are called out, God’s “special fruit” or “crown of all his creatures” when we are transformed by the Word of God.
“…we must actually live like the Word says we are to live.” Well said, Jen. Thank you Lord for your truth, this message and this wonderful reminder! I found Romans 6:1-4, Romans 7:7, and Romans 8:12-17 really helpful too. #lifethroughthespirit.
I tend to veer between trying to “pull myself up by my bootstraps” and doing it myself (which always is a failed effort), or not letting Him do the work at all. This was a good reminder… I want to let Him shape me into His crowning glory/special fruit! Thanks, Jen!!
What a wonderful thought you highlighted, Jen. To be transformed by the Word of God. And in this transformation, and/or restoration, to be delighting our Lord so much that He shows “us off as the crown of all His creatures”