Message #DF143; Daily Devotional #6 - “A Humble God”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): In today’s world it is not always easy to be humble. We live in a world where we are inundated with self promoters. Most of our radio DJs, celebrities, musicians, and professional athletes are quick to tell you why they are the coolest, the richest, or the fastest on the field. In these tough economic times it is tempting to do whatever it takes to get ahead, even if it involves misrepresenting ourselves to our peers and leaders. It is very easy to fall into the trap of sinful pride when working in an area where we feel we have expertise. Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus present Himself as a humble servant time and time again. It would be impossible for us to even fathom the understanding of the world that Jesus must have had as the Creator of the universe. Despite having this amazing level of power, Jesus washes each of his disciples feet prior to the Passover feast (John 13:5-10). Whenever we, as Christ followers, feel that we are given a task that we are somehow too good for we should remember the example of loving kindness from our Creator and Savior.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): In this week’s service we looked at how our attitudes should be like that of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:5-8). “Your attitude should be the very same as that of Christ Jesus: Who being the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God to be grasped…” (Philippians 2:5-6) In verse six there are two strong assertions made. The first assertion is that Jesus’ inward and outward nature matches that of God the Father. The second assertion is that Jesus Christ is equal to God the Father. All the attributes of God’s mercy, omniscience, wisdom, and sovereign power are possessed by Jesus and vice versa. By Jesus’ example we can be assured that it is God’s very nature to be a humble servant. We, as Christ followers, must be careful to not self promote ourselves out of desire for a promotion or a fear of being laid off. “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God. That he may exalt you in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6, NKJV) We can be assured the accolades and praise for a job well done will come from God at the appropriate time.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): People often sign up to do the most glamorous jobs that are in the spotlight and will bring high praise, but when faced with a task considered lowly they are quick to pass on it. The example of Jesus our Savior, who possesses power and knowledge we could never imagine, washing the disciples feet should always serve as an example to us of true service. Remember that “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.” (Proverbs 22:4, NKJV)
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Matthew 18:4; Colossians 3:12; James 4:6
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