All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)
Did you hear the one about the inspirational speaker who said he had a wonderful presentation on humility but was waiting for a large crowd before he delivered the speech? Although there is humor in that statement, the theme is no joke for it could easily serve to represent a realistic portrayal of today’s society. There’s another story about a humbler man named Lincoln who got caught up in a situation where he wanted to please a politician, so he issued a command to transfer certain regiments. When the secretary of war, Edwin Stanton, received the order, he refused to carry it out. He said that the President was a fool. Lincoln was told what Stanton had said, and he replied, “If Stanton said I’m a fool, then I must be, for he is nearly always right. I’ll see for myself.” As the two men talked, the President quickly realized that his decision was a serious mistake, and without hesitation he modestly withdrew it. When it comes to the topic of humility, we might be wise to remember that oft-quoted passage from the Old Testament: “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Once Jesus went to eat in the home of a prominent Pharisee and was aware that He was being carefully observed. “When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: ‘When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, Give this person your seat. Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, Friend, move up to a better place. Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted’” (Luke 14:7-11). No one understood and could teach what it means to be humble like Jesus could.
The events of Passover in that last week of Jesus’ life on earth are a true lesson in humility. As He entered Jerusalem, He did so on the back of a donkey. “Go into the village over there,” he said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me” (Matthew 21:2). Any earthly king would have never presented himself in this manner, but in doing so He fulfilled a prophecy (Zechariah 9:9) and demonstrated humility rather than arrogance. In the midst of His betrayal as He was arrested, he reached out to restore the man who had his ear cut off by one of His disciples. “But Jesus answered, ‘No more of this!’ And he touched the man’s ear and healed him” (Luke 22:51). This last recorded miracle before the cross flowed out of His humility. Only hours later, He was shamed and beaten. “Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8).
Once upon a time a rider came across a few soldiers who were trying to move a heavy log of wood without success. The corporal was standing by just watching as the men struggled. The rider couldn’t believe it. He finally asked the corporal why he wasn’t helping. The corporal replied: “I am the corporal. I give orders.” The rider said nothing in response. Instead he dismounted his horse. He went up and stood by the soldiers and as they tried to lift the wood – he helped them. With his help, the task was finally able to be carried out. Who was this kind rider? It was George Washington, the Commander-in-chief. He quietly mounted his horse and went to the corporal and said, “The next time your men need help, send for the commander-in-chief.” God sent Jesus to serve as our commander-in-chief. At Easter, we should fall on our knees with a humble spirit of gratitude and the assurance that “Because He lives, we can face tomorrow.” Yes, Easter is a lesson in humility for all of mankind. Each new day as we fail to pass the test, we live with hope and promise that He will keep on loving us just the same. So put on your Easter best, because thanks to Him – the debt has been fully paid. He Has Risen – Alleluia.
A NEW LOOKUP DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., APRIL 2, 2016. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.