As the Gospels launched, John the Baptist was clear about the need for a pivot of humility for all of humanity, both by his example and his message. The Lamb of God (Jesus) was here. He was offering a new way that could only be found through submission of our human will to our Creator’s will.
“John (the Baptist) answered and said, ‘A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven. You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah,’ but, ‘I have been sent ahead of Him.’ He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made full. “He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:27-30
Giving up first place is the implicit nature of the Kingdom of Heaven. This does not come naturally for any human being, so we must find a different way – a supernatural path. We must decrease and He must increase. We must follow in the footsteps of our Master.
THE CONTRAST
√ “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the twisted mouth, I hate.” Proverbs 8:13
√ “When pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with the humble is wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2
√ “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.” Proverbs 16:18
√ “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.” 1 John 2:16
A POWERFUL KING
During the time of Daniel the prophet God raised up the greatest Babylonian king – perhaps the most powerful ever in history. He reigned for 40+ years, yet in the middle of his kingship he “ate grass like an animal.” After his time of craziness king Nebuchadnezzar returns to his sense and his throne. His conclusion?
“Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride.” Daniel 4:37
First place does not belong to us. We find our place by choosing the submission of self.
About the Son Jesus: “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.” Colossians 1:15-20
So we can choose our natural path and walk in pride, or exchange it for God’s path: to walk in humility. This is one of the core woven threads of God’s Story.
Walking with you!
Dave and Burnadette