For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
James 1
I think about perspective a lot. The one thing I remember from my college psychology course is a quote in the margin of the textbook that read, “It is not so much what happens to a man as his opinion of it.” The way we choose to look at something has a huge impact on how we react to it. Likewise, the way we choose to present something to others can affect how they receive it. This phenomenon is known as framing.
James is framing life in a new way for believers, trying to shape a new perspective in them. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” (Jms. 1:2). Pure joy, eh? I think of a lot of things when I hear that phrase and I can assure you, going through the trials of this life is not one of them!
James has a great point, though. I know that if I change my opinion of what I am going through, that will change the way I respond to the situation. I can choose to see the hardship and negativity and carry around a “woe is me; why me” attitude in it. Or I can see it as an opportunity to keep the knowledge of my need for God fresh, to lean into Him, to grow my faith, and to see how He works in me and in my life. There is some exciting potential in all of that! This isn’t an easy thing to do, of course. Our nature seeks the path of least resistance. But nothing worthwhile comes easily, and the reward is directly proportional to the difficulty required in achieving it.
Is. 7-8
Matthew saw Jesus as the fulfillment of the sign of Immanuel (see Matthew 1:22-23). What was the original context of the sign in Isaiah 7? Facing the impending invasion by Assyria, what does the Lord tell them not to fear? To fear? Apply this to the conspiracy theories you’re hearing today. Isaiah’s prophecy is so full of layered meaning! It is mind boggling! There are so many ways to look at his words and the signs that back them up. But whichever way you look at it, and from whatever time frame, it all points to some common, eternal truths.
No threat from any institution of man will stand against God. They are only men; God is God. Those who do not look to men in fear or for support but instead stand firmly in faith in God will always be God’s surviving remnant. Those who oppose or turn away from God will be destroyed because God is with us. But those who fear and put their trust in Him will endure because God is with us.