HUMILITY ENGENDERS EXALTATION IN GOD’S HAND!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 22, 2022.

SUBJECT : HUMILITY ENGENDERS EXALTATION IN GOD’S HAND! 

Memory verse: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” (First Peter 5 vs 6.)

READ: Luke 14 vs 7 - 11:

14:7: So He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noted how they chose the best places, saying to them; 

14:8: When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him;

14:9: And he who invited you and him come and say to you, 'Give place for this man,' and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place.

14:10: But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, 'Friend, go up higher.' Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you.

14:11: For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

INTIMATION:

Humility signifies lowliness of mind. It is always used in good sense in the Scripture to denote low-lying; not to think too highly of oneself; to bring low in meekness or gentleness. It is being modest, unpretentious, and having a low opinion of oneself or one's claims. In humility there is greatness, exaltation, and elevation.

Humility is a character trait dominant in all real servants of the LORD. Though, it is a very elusive character trait, yet the Bible regards it as a highly important quality, recognized and cherished by both God and man. God Himself is humble, and He hears and leaves in the midst of a meek and humble people (Zephaniah 3 vs 12). 

Humbling yourself before the Lord is giving Him the leadership position in your life; it’s putting Him first in everything in your life. And when God takes the driving seat in your life, perfection is guaranteed because God is perfect and never makes mistake. He will never mislead you, but rather lead you to the place of greatness, elevation, and exaltation. 

Abraham was humble and believed God, and gave Him the driving seat in his life. He ensured that he did all that God told him to do without hesitation and all instructions given to him by God were strictly obeyed because of his believe and trust in Him, and it was imputed to him for righteousness: and he was called the friend of God (See James 2 vs 23). God blessed Abraham and made him very great that he became rich in all things (Genesis 24 vs 1). And through Abraham the whole world was blessed.

Jesus was an epitome of humility. He introduced Himself as “gentle and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11 vs 29). He was humble so much so that He was willing to give up His rights—His deity—in order to obey God and serve people. His obedience in humility was to death, even a shameful death on the cross, as a propitiation for the sins of the whole world. What an awesome sacrifice! Each time I remember it feel some chills run through my spine. And consequently “God also highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and those on earth, and those under the earth” (Philippians 2 vs 10),

The apostle Paul, in talking about himself, gave an understanding of humility, he says, "For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly....." (Romans 12 vs 3.) Each believer should not think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly—humble himself or herself before the Almighty God, and He will exalt Him or her in due time. 

The Scripture says, “By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.” (Proverbs 22 vs 4.) God hears the humble, and does not forget their cry (Psalm 9 vs 12). He dwells in the high and holy place with one who has a contrite and humble spirit, and revives the spirit of the humble (Isaiah 57 vs 15). He gives grace to the humble (James 4 vs 6), and grace(free and unmerited favour of God for sinful humanity) is all we need, and is God's greatest gift. God exalts the humble in due time and His timing is the best since the end is known to Him from the beginning, and He wants the very best for us.

Are you striving for greatness? Do you desire for exaltation in the hands of God? Do you want to be elevated in the eyes of men and God? Then humble yourself. In the passage we read today, Jesus advised people not to rush for the best places at a feast. People today are just so eager to raise their social status for whatever it is worth. Whom do you try to impress? Rather than aiming for prestige, look for a place where you can serve. If God wants you to serve on a wider scale, He will invite you to take a higher place. Service is more important in God’s kingdom than status. We pray for the infilling of the Holy Spirit that we may see that the world's seductive attractions are only cheap substitutes for what God has to offer.

Some people try to give the appearance of humility in order to manipulate others. Others think that humility means putting themselves down. Truly humble people compare themselves only with Christ, realize their sinfulness, and understand their limitations. On the other hand, they also recognize their gifts and strengths and are willing to use them as Christ directs. Humility is not self-degradation; it is realistic self-assessment and commitment to serve.

Prayer: Abba Father, endue me with the spirit of humility and obedience, exemplified in Christ Jesus our Messiah, that I may obtain Your grace in humility and be exalted in due time, in Jesus’ Name I have prayed, Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!