Day Seventy-Three
Finding the Gate of Greatness — Through Humility
“Whoever exalts himself [with haughtiness and empty pride] shall be humbled (brought low], and whoever humbles himself [whoever has a modest opinion of himself and behaves accordingly] shall be raised to honor.” Mt 23:12 Amp
Jesus Christ is our pattern, our example, and He is our way. For that reason it is of great profit to look at Jesus through the lens of humbleness that He walked out from the cradle to the grave for our benefit, and realize – this should be our path as well. So let us not just take note of that this season, but allow a full work of the word to change our thinking that we may be made low…
The Greek meaning of humble in James 4:6 is tapeinos — #5011, not rising far from the ground, lowly, of low degree, low with grief, depressed, lowly in spirit, humble. It is the same meaning used in Matthew 11:29 where Jesus tells us to come to Him to learn of Him — and describes Himself as gentle and humble and that we will find rest for our souls in Him.
Now think of Christ’s entrance into this world – in a lowly manger. In an animal feed trough even: born to Mary and Joseph in mean estate – having nothing as far as this world’s riches – but ushering into this world a way of knowing true riches of His Kingdom. He made Himself so very low – so that you and I could become very rich – in Him (Phil 2:5-10). He covered His glory in a tent of inglorious flesh and took upon Himself our image. Then in that image went to a place of cursing – to be crucified on a tree – so that He could bear the sins of the world and the reproach due mankind for its disobedience. But now even though He has been raised from the dead to glory once again, He continues to hold the frame of the Son of Man for all time.
As I read through the Scriptures detailing the humbleness of Christ, I am not only connecting with Who He is, but how He is – for He changeth not. It is an astounding thing that the Creator of all is so humble and meek. For our sake He demonstrates power in restraint — not only so that we may know Him, but that we would recognize the profit of becoming subject to Him and thus like Him – even in this humility. The gate to the greatness of Christ is indeed found through humility! In reference to Him – we should not rise far from the ground!
I highly recommend you do a word study of “humble” in the Scripture. Allow the word to come into your heart and wash away every notion of self-pride or high opinion. Finally, end in your reading with this verse from 1Peter 5:5-6. It is sure to open your eyes concerning humility.
“Likewise, you who are younger and of lesser rank, be subject to the elders (the ministers and spiritual guides of the church) – [giving them due respect and yielding to their counsel]. Clothe (apron) yourselves, all of you, with humility {as the garb of a servant, so that it’s covering cannot possibly be stripped from you, with freedom from pride and arrogance] toward one another. For God sets Himself against the proud (the insolent, the overbearing, the disdainful, the presumptuous, the boastful) – [and He opposes, frustrates, and defeats them], but gives grace (favor, blessing) to the humble.”
Because the Son of God came as the servant of God, we now have the choice and ability to be humble ourselves, and serve in His Name. He has both become the Way and made a Way for us – with Himself, not far from the ground… but also to be seated in heavenly places with Him. To choose the one – we must receive also the other. It is less about being clothed as a servant – it is about being clothed with Christlikeness!
Insolomonsporch's Blog 