Tag: Humility

The posture of a child

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HIGHLIGHT

Matthew 18:2–3 (ESV): 3 and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

EXPLAIN

The time when Jesus was to be betrayed, beaten, and crucified was coming soon. In Matthew 17 Jesus again foretold his death and resurrection.

When Jesus and his disciples came to Capernaum, tax collectors challenged Peter about Jesus paying taxes. Jesus intimated that he should not have to pax tax as the Son of God, but in order not to cause an offense he told Peter to go fishing. The first fish he caught would have enough money to pay the tax both for Jesus and for Peter.

At that time, the disciples questioned Jesus about who was the greatest in God’s kingdom. Jesus answered by taking a small child and putting him in the midst and saying the words of our highlight.

The rest of the chapter is Jesus’ teaching that flows from this question and object lesson. Those who receive children in Jesus’ name receive Jesus. Those who cause children (whether in age or spiritual maturity) to sin will be greatly judged by God.

Indeed, no one should despise a child (whether in age or spiritual maturity) for God does not desire any of them to perish, but will leave the ninety-nine in the mountains to find one lost sheep.

In times of conflict in the church, every effort should be made to reconcile, and God would bless those efforts. In contrast, the one who has received God’s undeserved grace but refuses to forgive someone for an offense will be judged harshly.

APPLY

The word pictures of this chapter are beautiful, but I think we find it difficult to practice. Not many truly want to be seen as a child… physically, emotionally, or spiritually for long. Indeed, we pride ourselves in our sophistication.

How might our lives and our churches be transformed if we truly adopted the posture of children?

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, help me to regain and maintain the posture of a child – trusting, willing to learn, following eagerly. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Clothed with humility

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HIGHLIGHT

1 Peter 5:5 (ESV): 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

EXPLAIN

1 Peter 5 begins with instructions to the elders, to the pastors, of the churches receiving this letter. Peter instructed pastors to exercise oversight willingly, eagerly, being examples to the church.

Then Peter instructed those who were younger to be subject to the elders. Elders were often older in age to the rest of the church, but not necessarily. Timothy was an example of a pastor who was younger. Paul told Timothy not to be intimidated by those who were focusing on ideas and teachings that were destructive to their faith, but rather to lead the church as one skilled in the Word.

Regardless of age or office in the church, Peter commanded everyone to put on a certain type of clothing: humility toward one another. His exhortation was accompanied by a promise and a warning that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

APPLY

Reading God’s Word and writing down these thoughts, I am already dressed for the day. I have several more things to do to get ready, such as eating breakfast, preparing a lunch to go, getting the boys ready for school, etc., but I could virtually walk out the door now if necessary.

The question is: have I forgotten that essential piece of clothing, the spiritual clothing of humility expressed toward others?

If I leave home without that submission to the will of the Holy Spirit and determined patience with others, I can find myself in trouble quickly – being perturbed by little things, unwilling to listen and value the thoughts and positions of others, blinded by my own puffed-up importance.

Instead, I choose to don the garb of humility toward others, seeking to be patient with all, not deluded by thoughts of self-grandeur.

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, may I imitate Christ in my attitudes, thoughts, and actions today. Help me to display humility as Christ was humble. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The importance of remaining humble and teachable

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HIGHLIGHT

2 Chronicles 35:21 (ESV): 21 But he sent envoys to him, saying, “What have we to do with each other, king of Judah? I am not coming against you this day, but against the house with which I am at war. And God has commanded me to hurry. Cease opposing God, who is with me, lest he destroy you.”

EXPLAIN

Josiah was a godly king. What he did to bring the people back to God was amazing. He organized a Passover feast so wonderful that the writer of Chronicles says no other Passover was like it, from the days of Samuel the prophet.

2 Kings tells us that a prophecy was made that he would die in peace, that he would be spared the judgment of God coming upon the land.

Yet Josiah died from wounds in battle. He did die at home, but the fact that Pharaoh Neco’s archers shot Josiah and he died as a result seems difficult to reconcile with the prophecy made about Josiah.

APPLY

The question we must consider carefully, then, is if Neco truly was operating according to God’s will. Did Josiah step out of the umbrella of God’s protection because he insisted on opposing Neco, who was on a mission of God?

Neco was a pagan king, as far as we know. Yet Paul writes in Romans 13 of governing authorities being appointed by God. He says that those who resist the governing authorities, who have appointed by God, will incur judgment.

Should we be more cautious about rejecting out of hand “truth” delivered by unlikely sources? Should we adopt a more humble position, earnestly seeking to know what God’s will is, not being so quick to assume what we believe his will to be?

RESPOND

Heavenly Father, in my spiritual growth help me to remain humble, always willing to listen and learn, no matter from what source you send me lessons. Amen.