Humility

 

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.”

— 1 Peter 5:6

 

God didn’t have Peter write this verse singly. It comes as part of a set. From verse one, Peter told the elders/leaders to be shepherds of God’s  flock. They were to submit to God’s leadership and not act as dictators to the people of the church. These leaders were not to be elders because of a desire to get wealth, possessions, or a position of power in a church or community. Instead, the they were to be an example of people wholly submitted to God.

 

Next, Peter told the younger people in the church to submit to God’s appointed church leaders, just as they submit to Him. Trust their elders and live just as they live. (This supposes the leaders submit daily to God.)

 

Peter then wrote, “All of you clothe yourselves in humility.” Don’t suppose you are greater than each other. You all submit to God. You all are saved in the same way, through Jesus’ sacrificial, atoning death. You/we have nothing about which to be arrogant. You can’t even save yourselves from your own desires. So be humble toward each other and God. Recognize God and who He is with your heart, soul, mind, and body—attitudes, thoughts, actions, and spirit.

 

God opposes the proud and shows them just who they really are compared to Him. But still, He is gracious and will save them. 

 

To tie this into a nice bundle, God, through Peter says, “Humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand, so in due time He will exalt you.” You are not mighty, especially compared to almighty God, so humble yourselves. Admit it in your heart, mind, spirit, and words, and submit to Him. Know, at the right time, you will reap the reward of your faithfulness and submission to God by receiving your heavenly reward—eternal life with Him. 

 

To finalize this thought, Peter wrote, don’t worry about who’s your leader, your status, your wealth, or your possessions. Why? Get rid of those worldly cares because God cares for and is taking care of you. 

 

So humble yourselves before God and submit to Him and His will. He takes care of you (vs. 7). God planned to care for you before you were created by having the plan in place to save you and give you an eternal relationship with Him. 

 

Our humility costs us far less than our salvation cost Jesus.

In His Presence

“You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shade of the Almighty, Say to the Lord, “My refuge and fortress, my God in whom I trust.””— Psalms 91:1-2

 

This psalm is written about the psalmist who chose to be near (make your residence/habitat) God, even as near as in His dwelling place (for the Jews this meant within God’s temple in Jerusalem). He wrote it to describe the relationship he had with God because he abided in the shadow of the Almighty (so close to God and in position lower than Him so His shadow falls upon you, like that of the shadow provided under eagles wings) [This imagery connoted for the Jews being in the Holy of Hokies below the seraphim wings and the mercy seat upon which God’s presence rested (1 Kings 6). It gave the sense of absolute shelter and protection from anything and anyone to any person who had a close relationship with God that the person chose/desired to be with God above all else.]

 

The psalmist had such a close relationship with God that his daily habit and life put him always in God’s presence while considering himself lower than God. This relationship and his recognition of God’s greatness and his own smallness put him under God’s wings and at His mercy. He knew he was sheltered because of God’s mercy and love. We each can have this relationship with God, too.

 

Because of this, the psalmist could and did proclaim to/about God and others saw/heard, like the he wrote in verse 2,

 

 “My refuge and fortress,” the place where my heart dwells, the place where I always know I’m safe, where an impenetrable wall surrounds and protects me, that is my God, Elohim (supreme, all-powerful God). Elohim is the One I absolutely trust and before Whom I lay down my life. 

 

Each of us can proclaim this about God if we chose to know God like David did.

 

What kind of relationship do you have with God? Do you run to God in crisis or are you already in His presence? David loved God with all he was. He was in God’s presence while in the pasture, in the temple, and on the battlefield. David did not have to go be with God; he was always with Him. He recognized his small stature and placed himself under mighty God. David recognized who God is and who he, himself wasn’t. 

 

Running to God in crisis is a good and right action. When you do that, you show God you realize He is Elohim, almighty, and you have finite power and strength. You display who you absolutely trust. 

 

When you dwell in the shelter of Elohim, you never leave His presence in thought, word, action, or attitude. You acknowledge Elohim with your whole being. You choose to be with Him throughout each day. When you live this way, you never have to ask for refuge and fortress because you are already resting in it, in the shadow of God almighty.

 

I want to dwell with Elohim. I want to be in a close, intimate relationship with God. Lord, grow me so I do and be this. Teach me how to be under Your wings (in Your presence) whether I’m at church, in my quiet time, working, driving, or at home. Let my every breath breathe in the incense of Your presence.

WAKE UP

 

Wake up, you people.

Wake up to the voice of God.

Hear the awesome roar of His voice,

And know He is almighty.

 

Wake up, you people.

Wake up and know the voice of God.

Hear His amazing proclamation,

And consider His lovingkindness.

 

Wake up, you people.

Wake up and heed the voice of God.

Hear and know He is the Lord,

And obey His righteous commands.

 

Wake up, you people.

Wake up and praise your God almighty.

Declare He is Lord over all,

And shine His light for all people.

 

Wake up, you people.

Raise your hands in praise to the Lord,

Maker of heaven and earth,

And Redeemer of all who believe.

Declare His unfailing love.

Proclaim His bountiful blessings.

Shout to the heavens of the magnificence of God;

And tell people of His sacrificial love for them.

 

The Lord is mighty and worthy of praise.

Lift your hands and sing,

Great is the Lord and worthy of praise.

He reigns from everlasting to everlasting.

Praise the Lord!

 

(In response to Isaiah 51:1, 4, & 7)