Devo 8: Humility

I love the book of Philippians. I spend alot of time in that book, but there are several passages that really bother me. Take Philippians 2:3-11 for example. In this passage, Jesus "makes Himself of no reputation" and takes on the "form of a bondservant." That bothers me. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords taking on a human frame and allowing Himself to be "despised and rejected by men" (Is. 53:3), he "humbled Himself and became obedient, even to the point of death, even death on the cross" (Philip. 2:8).

The most puzzling thing of all of this is the following verse: "THEREFORE, God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow..." (Philip. 2:9-10). That "THEREFORE" really bugs me. Does that mean that if Jesus had not humbled Himself would God have not exalted Him? Huh.

Well, maybe my theology is off, but lets think about the kingdom a moment. When pronouncing woes on the Pharisees, Jesus said, "Do not be called Teacher, for One is your Teacher, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (Matt. 23:10-12). Jesus was not only talking about the Pharisees here. He was saying, "whoever is great among you"--which meant Himself.

Likewise, in John 13:3-5, it says one of the most profound statements ever, "And Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples feet..." Wow. If we truly grasp the intensity of that statement, we would understand Peter's reaction. He was bugged too. It just doesn't make sense--to us, anyway.

In our world, everything is exactly the opposite. Live the American dream. Climb to the top. Retire and enjoy life. And so, it bugs me.

How do I become great? Humility. Bummer. It seems that is the hardest thing in the world to do. That's cause it is. The only way we can be humble is by meditating on how great God is, and by knowing that we can trust Him to exalt us. Yes, exalt us. I know what you're thinking--"He won't exalt us, we're not Jesus."

Yes, that's right, but we are His sons and daughters. He didn't have to adopt us, but He did because He is a good Father who loves to give good gifts to His children (Matt. 7:11). He didn't have to invite us into the communion of the Trinity either, but He did (John 17). I can get my strength from that revelation and by it, I can walk in humility. Jesus did so, because God endorsed His life and Jesus knew it ("knowing God had delivered all things into His hands"). We can know that God through the Holy Spirit has also delivered all things into our hands (John 14:26).

So, even though I'm irritated, I have no right to be. The Almighty Creator of the universe came and took on the form of a bondservant, so that we could be exalted with Him. Wow.

Lord, help us to be humble. Help us to appreciate your sacrifice. Thank you that you will exalt us with Yourself. Thank You for humbling Yourself. Jesus, help.

Well, I normally give you an assignment at this point, but I'm too convicted right now. I'm going to go repent.

Love you.

Amanda

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