James 1:17: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
James boldly proclaims that every good and perfect gift comes from God because God is the source of everything good in our lives. The gifts of God are perfect because they fulfill His will for His people. As John MacArthur writes: “The perfect, flawless, holy goodness of God results in His doing and giving only what reflects His perfect holiness and truth. His works reflect His character.”
The phrase the Father of lights was ancient Jewish title for God that is tied to Him as Creator. James when he writes there is no variation of shadow of turning is repeating what other Bible writers have said about God’s unchanging nature. In Malachi the Lord declared “I, the Lord, do not change” (Mal. 3:6) and John in 1st Epistle wrote, God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all, (1 John 1:5) and the writer of Hebrews proclaims that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever, (Heb. 13:8).
Let’s Pray:
Oh, Heavenly Father,
I just want to praise You in this moment for Your unchanging nature, Your eternal love, Your generous grace, and unending mercy.
I thank you for the good and perfect gifts you put in my life like my wife, kids, grandkids, a job I love, roof over my head and food in my belly.
Lord, I am truly grateful. In Jesus name I pray. Amen
Leave a Reply