As heirs in the kingdom of our Father we inherit many, many good gifts, a place of belonging, an sure identity, unmeasurable wealth, perfect heath, security, but also dominion authority. All of this can be summarized as “every good gift and every perfect gift”, just as James wrote in the first couple of verses of his epistle.
… and good gifts are good gifts!
But what if gifts are, in fact, more and better than what we are generally taught?
To answer this question we have to do a little language and translation exploration. Fancy that!
So, let’s get on with it.
More than a Gift
James is generally regarded as the brother of Jesus. James was also the leader of the Christian congregation in Jerusalem.
James starts his epistle by introducing himself as the one writing to the twelve tribes of Israel and carries on to mention many matters that are sometimes twisted and misinterpreted by the institutional church since the very first century after Christ. But the main theme of James’ letter revolves around faith, patience and perseverance and how this can be achieved. He is trying to encourage those who are called to receive Jesus. At this point in history Christians were severely persecuted by Romans and Jewish society alike.
James affirms that perseverance comes through proper knowledge and intimacy with Jesus. This makes sense. By the wisdom of who we really are and our position in our Saviour, it becomes easy for us to endure and be steadfast, something we should never waver from nor doubt.
And so says James: “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”
Why is it a blessing to endure temptation?
Because we have the knowledge of the finished work of the cross. We are able to take action and endure. HalleluYah!
And just in case we are tempted to think otherwise: “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
James makes it clear that we should not make any mistake when it comes to temptation. It is not God who tempts!
On to our verse ... and the Gift
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Reading it as it is translated, is already mind blowing. In Christ, as heirs, we really have every good Gift, because Christ is our Gift. He is our all and perfect good Gift.
But the translators could also have used some of the many other words and meanings to describe what is contained in this verse.
The word “gift” is used twice in this sentence. However, in Greek two different words are used.
Two words with many blessed meanings
Let’s look at the first Greek word for gift. The Greek word for every good gift is dosis, the word we get the word “dosage” from. It is a measured quantity that is delivered as a unit, an account for receiving and giving … It is “the set measure of faith” that God has bestowed onto each and every one that Paul refers to in Romans 12:3. It is Jesus!
The second Greek word used for gift is dōrēma, This is the word normally used for bounty or benefaction, the profit, it is the bestowment, the present … It is the gift that Paul refers to in Romans 5:16 when he says: “And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification”. Again, It is Jesus and all the benefits that come with Jesus!
And the Gift is steadfast!
So secure is this Gift bestowed upon us by the Father that James just had to add and remind us that with Him there is no fickleness nor change of mind!
It is Good.
It is perfect.
It is the full measure.
It is the heir’s full blessing.
It is Yah’shua!
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