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mile markers

James 1:12-15 (JDV)

James 1:12 The one who endures trials is fortunate because after he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who care about him.
James 1:13 No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God,” since God is not tempted by evil, and he himself doesn’t tempt anyone.
James 1:14 But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire.
James 1:15 Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.

mile markers

The subject matter James addresses here is trials. He says that God does not send us trials to tempt us, but they do test our faithfulness. The evil desire that James describes here is the desire for the best now. The Israelites in the wilderness grumbled because they wanted the promised land now, without undergoing the trials that would take them there.

There are only two destinies in view here: life and death. These are the two permanent eschatological destinies. James is teaching his readers to embrace the trials they face because they are a means of reaching the permanent life they want. They are mile markers on the road to the crown.

When I am hiking, I sometimes have mixed feelings when I come to a mile marker. I should be happy that I have made it that far, but I often feel weary and only anticipate the miles to go.

Trails can be mile markers on the way to eternal life. They should bring us joy in anticipation of the final destination.