James 1:17-18 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (18) Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Have you ever said it to yourself or others that all good things come from above. Not only have I heard this from Christians, but those who believe in a generic “god” have said this to me as well. It comes from the book of James and is a way to help us understand the character of God. He is the author of not only all good things, but all perfect things as well. James is contrasting the good with the perfect. When we think of the good we may imagine the sound of beautiful music. Or maybe visualize an amazing painting or a piece of art that simply astounds us. The “good” could also be the laughter of a small child or the playfulness of a puppy. Good things are our jobs, our homes, and whatever else we deem to be good or beneficial. Regardless of our position in Christ, he bestows the good on all people and we either give Him the glory for them or we simply just appreciate them and forget that they are from God.
Yet, there is something that is also from the Lord that is perfect. God sent his only son to come to earth and take the payment for our sin. He was completely sinless and was the perfect sacrifice. Jesus, the only perfect gift, came from the Father of lights to give salvation to all who believe. Even though his good gifts are for everyone, his perfect gift is only for those who believe. It is for those who call on the name of Jesus and are saved. And for you or I to do that it must first start with the will of God.
God wills each one of us to come to Him by the word of truth. It was established by His will before the foundation of the world was in place. Before the suns rays began to shine forth on the earth casting shadows over the hill tops. Before the wind and the rain was brought forth over the evil and the good, God, in his mighty will, brought forth you and me to be his firstfruits of creation.
Paul, in the book of Ephesians, describes it like this, “Eph 1:3-10 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, (4) even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love (5) he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, (6) to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. (7) In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, (8) which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight (9) making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ (10) as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the good gifts that you give to all people, but thank you even more for the perfect gift of Christ for our salvation. You are a wonderful God and I want to serve you all the days of my life. Amen