Humility

The systems of the world are built around power and control. Nations go to war to gain land, resources, and domination. Organizations intimidate opponents to manipulate and wield their authority. Individuals demonstrate their influence over others to show who’s the boss. Jesus, however, turned the tables.

Isn’t a Christian supposed to be “aw shucks” humble? Aren’t believers meant to hide in a corner and not let the right hand know what the left hand is doing? Aren’t believers expected to refrain from showing off? Not according to Jesus.

When the Light arrived in the darkness, the heavenly Father sent his Son to the back of the line. The Light of the world, the eternal God in the flesh, received no breaks and no advantages. After an unseemly pregnancy and a hard journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the fullness of time had come. And…there was no room for Jesus.

When we pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, we are putting forth a risky offering. We are asking that God’s perfect will be worked through our lives. And we are placing ourselves in submission to that perfect will. For Jesus, that meant death—even death on a cross! What will that prayer mean for you? I don’t know what it will mean, but here are some things it could mean.

In the preceding verses, Peter told his readers to humble themselves under the “mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.” Believers can cast all their anxieties on the Lord because God is always faithful, and those who follow him can entrust themselves to his care. God is in control, but that does not nullify human responsibility. We are reminded of this in today’s passage.

Humility is the appropriate “attire” for the follower of Jesus. The lasting principle, quoted here by Peter, makes the case that God ”mocks proud mockers, but shows favor to the humble and oppressed” (Proverbs 3:34 NIV).

Charles Swindoll once told me, “Preach to hurting people, and you will never lack an audience.” I recently heard the same advice from Rick Warren as I listened to a podcast while running one morning on the streets of Mae Sot, Thailand. Warren explained how God often uses pain—sometimes self-inflicted—to soften our hearts and remind all those listening to preach to people who are in pain. Here’s how the apostle Peter said it.

Jesus humbled himself in obedience. What will it mean for us to humble ourselves before God? 

Jesus approached the cross with joy! Think of that! With joy, he took our sins and paid the penalty so we could have eternal life. True joy is ours in Jesus!