To read the rest of A Journey through James 1, start HERE.
James 1:12
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
As we discussed earlier with verses 9-10, verse 12 also reminds us that God’s kingdom is “upside down” compared to world, much like what Jesus declared in the Beatitudes of the Sermon on the Mount. In fact, James 1:12 seems like it would fit perfectly in the Beatitudes, doesn’t it? It’s no surprise that the same Greek word for “blessed”, makarios, is used here in James and in Matthew 5.[1]
When looking from an earthly perspective, no one thinks they’re blessed if they’re experiencing challenges and heartache. However, when we look at it from a heavenly point of view, once again it’s brought to mind that “those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Matthew 23:12). In humility, when you admit that you’re a sinner in need of a Savior, then you will be lifted up as a child of God, dwelling with Him forever.
The Greek word for “perseveres” here in James 1:12 is hypomeno, and it means “to remain i.e. abide, not recede or flee” and “to endure, bear bravely and calmly.”[2] This ties right back into what James urged his fellow believers earlier in this chapter… We are called to stand firm in our faith. That is what perseverance is all about it. Staying strong and true till the end. Regardless of the struggles, we are called to stand up for Jesus and claim Him as King always.
The ending of James 1:12 brings to mind Romans 8:28, which says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (emphasis added). There are many times when “God works for the good of those who love him” and we see that good manifested in our current lives. It might be in the form of blessings we could never fathom, the development of strength and character that we need for the ups and downs of life, or the indescribable peace, hope, and joy that comes for trusting Jesus. And yet, there is also good beyond our wildest dreams waiting for us for in His heavenly kingdom, including the crown of life He has promised to believers.
The word “crown” here in Greek is stephanos, and the first four times it is used in the New Testament, it’s referring to the crown of thorns placed on Jesus’ head during His crucifixion (Matthew 27:29, Mark 15:17, John 19:2 and 5).[3] The King of Kings deserves the most glorious crown in all of existence, but instead He humbled Himself and choose to wear a crown of thorns on our behalf. Because Jesus wore the crown of thorns, we can now be granted the crown of life that is promised in James 1:12.
I don’t know about you, but that makes me want to persevere for Him all the more, and He will strengthen us to do just that. We can stand firm in our faith and persevere under trials when we abide in Christ. He will remain in us and help us each step of the way through the power of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-7 and John 15:4). And when we persevere for His purposes and glory, He will also ultimately honor us with the crown of life. Now that is what I called blessed!
[1] G3107 – makarios – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (nasb20). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3107/nasb20/mgnt/0-1/
[2] G5278 – hypomenō – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (nasb20). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5278/nasb20/mgnt/0-1/
[3] G4735 – stephanos – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (nasb20). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4735/nasb20/mgnt/0-1/
Heather L. Myers 