Earlier this evening, I sat down with my tattered, burgundy study Bible (which I have yet to replace... my attachment to it verging unnatural) to begin studying the fifth chapter of James. Needless to say, I didn't make it very far. James' personification of 'rust' stopped me dead in my tracks. As I read verse 3, I had one of the moments where anything less than absolute dissection of every word would be criminal. Now, I always prefer to see how much my own brain can gather before turning to Biblical commentaries; so, I pulled out a tiny notebook and wrote: "Their corrosion will testify against you." I slowly repeated to myself, 'the corrosion of gold and silver will testify against you...' (I often feel repetition exposes hidden truths... weird?) Anyway, after scribbling a few explanatory ideas, I summarized my final thought - the poison of lusting after earthly treasures that physically deteriorate will be evidence, against you, of spiritual neglect. Content with my conclusion, I allowed myself to open the MacArthur NT Commentary on the book of James. MacArthur highlighted how rust will be a witness for the prosecution during trial on the day of judgement (I love love love all this metaphorical/ anthropomorphism/ personification stuff !!) He says, "Their (the rich people to whom this section is addressed) hoarded, rotten, moth-eaten treasures will give graphic testimony to the unregenerate state of their hearts."
It got me thinking about how our sins, whatever they may be, all stand as evidence against our character. Against our Christian testimony. Just imagining my sins, personified, standing across from me in a court room serving as witnesses against my allegiance to Christ, is beyond jarring.
All I can say is Lord, have mercy. Have mercy on this utterly flawed child of yours.
I would go on to share my discoveries on the second part of verse 3 ("...and eat your flesh like fire."), but it's almost 11 pm and that is waaaaay past this girl's bedtime.
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