I received this in a newsletter from Jeff Pokone over at the Indiana Biblical Counseling Center and I had to share it (with his permission of course):
“And 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)
When God humbles us through a deep understanding and experience of His grace, our hearts and lives are transformed. No longer do we feel a need to rely on what the world thinks of us, because we are confident that God approves of us through Jesus Christ. No longer do we worry about how others treat us, because we are rejoicing that in Christ, God has given us so much more than we could ever deserve or dream of.
Strangely enough, our greatest example of humility comes from the Almighty God Himself. Psalm 113:5-6 captures the wonder of our God: “Who is like the LORD our God, who is enthroned on high, who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in heaven and in the earth?” This passage is a beautiful description of our Lord Jesus, who willingly gave up His place in the presence of the Father and His right to be treated as God in order to inhabit a broken, sin-filled world. And not only this, but He was despised and rejected by men, bore our griefs and carried our sorrows, and finally was pierced through for our transgressions. What greater picture of humility could there ever be?
But the story doesn’t end there! Philippians 2:9-11 tells us, “Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow…..and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” As we follow in Jesus’ footsteps, we have great hope because of the promise He extends to us as well, “Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.” (James 4:10)
The world tells us we need to hold on to our rights: the right to wealth, power, greatness, significance. But the way of the cross is different. Like our Savior, we are called to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. Let us walk in humility before Him, holding as our greatest treasure the riches of His grace-something far greater than anything the world has to offer.
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