But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5 NASB)
James had the opportunity to watch this verse up close and personal in his elder Brother, Jesus. He’d seen the unbelievable in Jesus and He knew that Jesus always heard from God. Oh, sure, at first he didn’t believe it. He held a deep skepticism, but his whole life he watched Jesus live from a strength and a relationship that had no source in this world. James’s whole understanding of his Brother transformed after Jesus’ resurrection. He knew that same relationship with God caused Jesus to live through death and rise again. God the Father cared, loved, and kept Jesus, and with covenantal faithfulness glorified Him.
So James had not only seen the faithfulness of this phenomenal Father God in the life of Jesus, he now knows his Brother to be of the same nature and of the same love that God possesses. He’d interacted with Jesus and saw His reactions to no matter how James treated Him reflect uncanny love and faithfulness. So James prayed after the resurrection and heard the wisdom from God. He’d experienced God, as he’d seen in Jesus, interact with him. So when James writes, no matter what the circumstance or trial, he recommends asking God for wisdom. Why? James had experienced God’s generous giving of wisdom and he knew God would do the same for those who love His Son. God loves, cares, and advocates for the fullness of life for His people. He is faithful, so He gives wisdom generously. What a gift! And just for the asking.
For Reflection:
“Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom.” (Psalms 51:6 NAS95)
- When you pray, what level of expectation to hear wisdom from God do you have?
- As you consider this verse in James, how accurately does it characterize your experience?
