-----------------------------------------------------
So... One day, I was having a conversation (...with myself), while I was studying and decided to ask my Father this question.
Me: Abba. I have a question about the human body. Why does stool have to be so offensive to the nose?
Abba’s response: Stool in the man is there to always remind him of his humble state.
From the ground he comes, to the ground he must go back.
How can there be such pride in someone who is nothing but dust and ashes? Even while he is living, man’s bowels are full of rottenness. (Sirach 10: 9)
For the destiny of man and animal is identical: death for one as for the other. Both have the same spirit; man has no superiority over animals for all pass away like wind. Both go the same place, both come from dust and return to dust. (Ecclesiastes 3: 19,20)
Before the dust returns to the earth from which it came and the spirit returns to God who gave it. Meaningless! Meaningless! the Teacher says; all is meaningless! (Ecclesiastes 12: 7,8)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Humility. A very thoughtful topic I would presume. I thought it noteworthy to study the topic of humility. For I do see great worth in understanding the topic of faith from a much humble perspective. I direct my objective, then to bring to substance my learning of humility and the role that it plays to help express or bring out the meaning of faith. I may even go on to assume that humility gives faith its proper meaning. I indulge.
I do not know about you, but for me, when I pass through the pages of Scripture, it may seem quite disheartening sometimes. Almost depressing, actually. Why do I feel this way? Well, have you studied some of the very best of God’s servants? Have you seen their lives? Have you seen what they have already gone through? Like really? Who would not get depressed while first reading through those pages of Scripture!
I take some examples.
Joseph wrongfully imprisoned
Sarah, Hannah, Elizabeth and mother of Sampson suffered many years of barrenness
King David constantly being pursued for many years
John the Baptist beheaded
Mary, the pregnant virgin (bearing in her time or era)
Need I say more?
I study to myself, what a depressing life! Isn’t it so? Why is that? Why did these people, who led in their own right, why did they live through so much of what one may deem a much ‘dismal’ life? Hmm... It brings to mind the question of humility. By no means, were these persons living like kings and queens, princes and princesses in their time of wilderness which may have well been for the greater part of their lives. Consider especially being humbled in the best years of one’s life, when one feels young and strong. Just imagine how even more humbling that may feel, though strong in youth. Sigh!
Rejoice, young man, in your youth and direct well your heart when you are young; follow your desires and achieve your ambitions but recall that God will take account of all you do. (Ecclesiastes 11: 9)
But then I go on to probe a little bit further. These very examples have gone to greater glory. I mean, after all, they are recorded in the Law Book. How is this so? There must be some law or principle attached.
I go searching.
Firstly, I study from the first book of Samuel Chapter two. I follow the words of Hannah.
6 Yahweh is Lord of life and death; He brings down to the grave and raises up.
7 Yahweh makes poor and makes rich, He brings low and He exalts.
8 He lifts up the lowly from the dust, and He raises the poor from the ash heap; they will be called to the company of princes, and inherit a seat of honour.
I now go on to study from the book of Luke Chapter one, as I re-trace the words of Mary:
49 The Mighty One has done great things for me, Holy is his Name!
50 From age to age His mercy extends to those who live in his presence.
51 He has acted with power and done wonders, and scattered the proud with their plans.
52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones and lifted up those who are downtrodden.
Wow! I would imagine both Hannah and Mary were singing with much joy. Though each sang their song, they both sang to one accord. A single note was heard from each of their voices and it sang:
He lifts up and brings down; He raises the lowly and casts down the mighty.
Now I hear an echo from the Psalmist.
I listen to the song of Psalm 113:
4 The Lord is exalted over the nations, His glory above the heavens.
5 Who is like the Lord our God, who sits enthroned on high,
6 but also bends down to see on earth as in heaven?
7 He lifts up the poor from the dust and the needy from the ash heap.
8 He makes them sit with princes, with rulers of his people.
9 He gives a home to the barren woman, and makes her a joyful mother. Praise the Lord!
I can definitely find a law somewhere hidden in these words.
For sure, King David sings much like that of Hannah and Mary. So, now I go searching for the law.
I read from the book of Sirach Chapter 3:
18 The greater you are, the more you should humble yourself and thus you will find favour with God.
20 For great is the power of the Lord and it is the humble who give him glory.
There is such a law! Hmm...
When I think about these words taken from the book of Sirach, there are other words that also come to mind.
I read now, from the book of Luke Chapter 3:
3 John proclaimed a baptism for repentant people to obtain forgiveness of sins and he went through the whole country bordering the Jordan River.
4 It was just as is written in the book of the prophet Isaiah: listen to this voice crying out in the desert: prepare the way of the Lord, make his path straight.
5 The valleys will be filled and the mountains and hills made low. Everything crooked will be made straight and the rough paths smooth;
6 and every mortal will see the salvation of God.
From the above, I highlight verse 5 to resemble this Law of Humility.
5 The valleys will be filled and the mountains and hills made low. Everything crooked will be made straight and the rough paths smooth;
Jesus Himself demonstrated this very Law in so many different ways. He was born in a manger, had nowhere to live when his ministry started. He subjected Himself to mock and ridicule while on his mission to complete His life course on earth. When He chose to enter into Jerusalem, He was riding on a donkey. And He ultimately gave in to death, being far removed from his true nature which IS Life.
Jesus found a donkey and sat upon it, as Scripture says: Do not fear, city of Zion, see your King is coming sitting on the colt of a donkey. The disciples were not aware of this at first, but after Jesus was glorified, they realized that this had been written about Him and that this was what had happened to Him. (John 12: 14- 15)
Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion! Shout for joy, daughter of Jerusalem! For your King is coming, just and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9: 9)
There is one conclusion that I may perhaps draw from all of my findings:
God expects his servants to occupy lowly roles. For man, this is his starting point.
Man acts, but it is the Lord who completes man’s tasks.
The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. (Proverbs 16: 1)
Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established. (Proverbs 16: 3)
A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. (Proverbs 16: 9)
I think for a bit. Man operates best from his place of humility. This is the Law. It is God who is then able to raise man up.
I want to draw another point in this direction.
It must mean then, that God Himself is man’s ‘status’ regulator. The Father helps to regulate man’s state such that man remains operating in God’s presence and ultimately, in God’s power. A faithful man, therefore, rests on God’s strength to help him complete all that his Father asks of him. A faithful man never relies on his own strength.
I highlight an interesting point. Most usually perceive a man’s fall as a ‘bad’ thing. But I challenge this thought! Can a fall actually be perceived in good favour? Sometimes, a fall may be God’s way in reminding man to ‘watch himself’. God may be reminding man to re-consider his ways and actions such that man may re-adjust his ways of thinking and actions to fall back in alignment with life’s laws. ‘The fall’ may equal ‘the feedback mechanism’. It is much like when one receives a pain in the abdomen. When man notices pain, it alerts him that something may not be operating correctly and so he spends time to investigate what may have potentially gone wrong, and makes effort to correct his way, such that he receives relief. Simply put, it may be that the Father helps to keep man inside the boundaries of hHs laws, which for man is ways by which he lives. I pause for much thought.
Let us suppose now, I provoke an alternative point of view. Can a man be blameless, yet still be found in a humbling position? Why yes! Is this not the case for Joseph, Sarah, Hannah, Elizabeth, Mary, Sampson’s mother, John, the Baptist, King David and Christ Himself? Hmm... How is it that these men and women walked blamelessly in the eyes of the Father, yet were found in pretty humbling situations? Well, the answer is found in the Law.
For man to operate at best, he operates under the influence of his Lord. But now I ask, how does one get close enough to his Lord, such that he is able to operate under His influence?
I read from the book of James Chapter 4:
8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...
How does one draw near to God?
I read from the book of Matthew Chapter 5:
3 Fortunate are those who are poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Fortunate are those who mourn, they shall be comforted.
5 Fortunate are the gentle, they shall possess the land.
6 Fortunate are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied.
7 Fortunate are the merciful, for they shall find mercy.
8 Fortunate are those with a pure heart, for they shall see God.
9 Fortunate are those who work for peace, they shall be called children of God.
10 Fortunate are those who are persecuted for the cause of justice for is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Fortunate are you, when people insult you and persecute you and speak all kinds of evil against you because you are my followers.
12 Be glad and joyful, for a great reward is kept for you in God. This is how this people persecuted the prophets who lived before you.
This is my finding. As part of fulfilling the Law of Humility, as a requirement in being close enough to God, man must satisfy the condition of living in his humbled state. Living in humble conditions serve to satisfy the law which promises His nearness. This condition, therefore, satisfies the idea that, not always is man found ‘prideful’ just because he has suffered a fall.
So, being in that humbled condition gives man his greatest opportunity to access that power much mightier than himself. This is the law.
It is my hope, though, that some caution be expressed! Utilizing the Law of Humility means that man must constantly be reviewing and reflecting on his actions. For there exists, the potential for man to be unintentionally led astray by the gifts and rewards that he may receive from the world. Man may start to lose his sense of direction, when He loses track of this law.
I read from the book of Deuteronomy Chapter 8:
2 Remember how Yahweh, your God, brought you through the desert for forty years. He humbled you, to test you and know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his Commandments or not.
16 And He fed you in the desert with manna which your Fathers did not know. He made you experience want and put you to the test, so that it would be for your good later on.
17 lest you say, “with my own strength I have attained all these good things
18 Remember Yahweh you God, the One who gave power to become prosperous, as you are today in fulfilment of the Covenant He promised under oath to your fathers.
Regardless of how much man may receive from the world, he must ALWAYS, above everything else, measure more worthy all that He receives from his God and God Himself. This is the law of Humility; recognizing God’s all-time presence as man walks out the course of his life. The Father, the Eternal One, will always be found to be man’s greatest treasure. Man’s greatest reward is his God.
Now, for a worrying note. I speak on the topic of the ‘lukewarm’.
I read from the book of Revelation Chapter 3:
15 I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were cold or hot!
16 You are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold so I will spit you out of my mouth.
17 You think you are rich and have piled up so much that you need nothing, but you do not realize that you are wretched and to be pitied, poor, blind and naked.
18 I advise you to buy from me gold that has been tested by fire, so that you may be rich, and white clothes to wear so that your nakedness may not shame you, and ointment for your eyes that you may see.
Wow! I hang my head in shame. Silence! The first time I read these lines, I did not feel too good. I felt horrible actually. Such heavy words, yet I suppose, such words may be to wake his children up. I ponder on these words, for a bit, as I reflect on the topic of Humility.
Initially, on sounding, it may be a bit sour to the ears. But after much consideration, I understand! When I consider the law, I get it! The Father is expressing much frustration. Why? Because by utilizing the basis of the law, man may be somewhat following his laws of life, but not entirely, such that, he may not exactly peak to his pride point that may ‘knock’ him over as part of the feedback mechanism that forms parts of the law. In other words, there is no way, by law, that the Father can reach his child if he is not giving him the room for much admonition. I think this an interesting point! Let me stretch this point a little further. Man may choose to disobey the law entirely and he may be served a strong ‘humbling’ ticket for much admonition and correction. But if there is one who is ‘kinda’ dis-obeying, but not really, how much harder it is to be served the correctional pill? One also may ‘kinda’ be following the law, but also dappling in laws that go outside the Father’s lawful boundaries; the boundaries that He has already given man. Even further, is the one who plays the game of jumping in the law for a minute and then jumping out for another minute. This in-between, double-hearted living may actually frustrate the attempts by God to truly reach man’s heart. I consider much. The Father waits on ALL his children to turn to Him and when He thinks it right on His terms, He then regulates through correctional measures. For He loves his own.
Look, I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my call and open the door, I will come in to you and have supper with you, and you with Me. (Revelation 3: 20)
Now I share one last note that hits home for me. I do strike an odd observation when it comes to God’s servants. There seemed to be a common knowledge shared by most, if not, all his servants that brought home the victory. It is on the topic of praising in the midst of really humbling situations.
I read from the second book of Chronicles Chapter 20:
17 You will not need to fight there, but only take up your position, stand firm, and see what salvation Yahweh has in store for you. Judah and Jerusalem, be fearless, de dauntless; go out to battle tomorrow and Yahweh will be with you.”
18 Jehoshaphat bent his head, his face to the ground, and all Judah with those who lived in Jerusalem fell down before Yahweh, worshipping Him.
19 Then the Levites – Kohathites and Korahites– began praising Yahweh the God of Israel at the top of their voices.
21 Then, having held a conference with the people, he ordered some musicians to put on robes they wore on sacred occasions and to march at the head of the army to sing praises to him: “Give praise to Yahweh, for His love is everlasting.”
22 As they began to sing their joy and their praise, Yahweh threw the invading armies into a panic and completely destroyed them...
I now read from the book of Acts Chapter 16:
25 About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.
26 Suddenly a sever earthquake shook the place, rocking the prison to its foundations. Immediately all the doors flew open and the chains of all the prisoners fell off.
I also contemplate the words taken from the book of Daniel Chapter 6:
8 And now, O king, put the decree in writing and have it signed at once, so that it cannot be altered or annulled, in accordance with Medo-Persian laws.
9 King Darius put in writing and signed the prohibition, thus making it a law.
10 Daniel heard about the new law, but just as usual, he returned home and prayed three times a day, giving thanks to his God, in his room upstairs with the windows opened towards Jerusalem.
18 Then the king returned to his palace and spent a sleepless night, refusing food and entertainment.
19 Very early next morning, he rose and hurried to the lion’s den.
20 As he came near he called in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, did your God whom you serve faithfully save you from the lions?”
21 Daniel answered, “Live forever, O king!
22 My God sent his angel who closed the lions’ mouths so that they did not hurt me. God did that because I am innocent in his sight. Neither have I wronged you, O king.”
So, clearly, one may envision that these three servants, Jehoshaphat, Paul and Daniel praised the Lord in the midst of the fire. They were all sent in the furnace of the flames, yet each one bore the joy of the Lord. How can it be? Well...This is the key! In fact, this seems to be THE key to activate giant-sized faith. I take note!
When I think about it. It is okay to praise the Father when all is well and good. But faith becomes elevated to the height of heights when the going gets tough and the tough gets going, if one is only to indulge in the act of praising his Holy Name. This is the kind of faith, from which miracles are made, if one only believes and trusts in God Almighty.
Yet offer to God a sacrifice of thanks, and fulfil your vows to the Most High, Call on me in time of calamity; I will deliver you, and you will glorify me.” (Psalm 50: 14,15)
My enemies turn back when I call on you for help; now I know that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust without fear. What can mortals do against me? I am bound to you by vows, O God; I shall offer my thanksgiving. For You have rescued my soul from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk in God’s presence in the light of the living (Psalm 56: 9-13)
Sigh! This has been a very long thoughtful process. But I feel satisfied from much of my findings. I sit now, in my own silence to reflect on much.
I make it a point now for much encouragement. It is not a time to be discouraged. No. This is not the case! For when the temperature rises, the glory of God also rises. This is the Law of Humility.
As Jesus walked along, He saw a man who had been blind from birth. His disciples asked Him, “Master, was he born blind because of a sin of his, or of his parents?” Jesus answered, “Neither was it for his own sin nor for his parents’. He was born blind so that God’s power might be shown in him. While it is day, we must do the work of the One who sent me; for the night will come when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9: 1-5)
I end here with the words taken from the book of Sirach Chapter 23:
1 O Lord, Father and Master of my life, do not abandon me to the thoughtless words of my lips or allow me to fall because of them.
2 Who will deal out punishment to my thoughts and apply discipline of wisdom to my heart?
3 Let them not be indulgent at my sins or mistakes of my mind, lest m y errors increase and sins multiply, and I fall in to the hands of my enemies, to the joy of me foes.
4 Lord, Father and God of my life, do not allow me to become haughty...
So... One day, I was having a conversation (...with myself), while I was studying and decided to ask my Father this question.
Me: Abba. I have a question about the human body. Why does stool have to be so offensive to the nose?
Abba’s response: Stool in the man is there to always remind him of his humble state.
From the ground he comes, to the ground he must go back.
How can there be such pride in someone who is nothing but dust and ashes? Even while he is living, man’s bowels are full of rottenness. (Sirach 10: 9)
For the destiny of man and animal is identical: death for one as for the other. Both have the same spirit; man has no superiority over animals for all pass away like wind. Both go the same place, both come from dust and return to dust. (Ecclesiastes 3: 19,20)
Before the dust returns to the earth from which it came and the spirit returns to God who gave it. Meaningless! Meaningless! the Teacher says; all is meaningless! (Ecclesiastes 12: 7,8)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Humility. A very thoughtful topic I would presume. I thought it noteworthy to study the topic of humility. For I do see great worth in understanding the topic of faith from a much humble perspective. I direct my objective, then to bring to substance my learning of humility and the role that it plays to help express or bring out the meaning of faith. I may even go on to assume that humility gives faith its proper meaning. I indulge.
I do not know about you, but for me, when I pass through the pages of Scripture, it may seem quite disheartening sometimes. Almost depressing, actually. Why do I feel this way? Well, have you studied some of the very best of God’s servants? Have you seen their lives? Have you seen what they have already gone through? Like really? Who would not get depressed while first reading through those pages of Scripture!
I take some examples.
Joseph wrongfully imprisoned
Sarah, Hannah, Elizabeth and mother of Sampson suffered many years of barrenness
King David constantly being pursued for many years
John the Baptist beheaded
Mary, the pregnant virgin (bearing in her time or era)
Need I say more?
I study to myself, what a depressing life! Isn’t it so? Why is that? Why did these people, who led in their own right, why did they live through so much of what one may deem a much ‘dismal’ life? Hmm... It brings to mind the question of humility. By no means, were these persons living like kings and queens, princes and princesses in their time of wilderness which may have well been for the greater part of their lives. Consider especially being humbled in the best years of one’s life, when one feels young and strong. Just imagine how even more humbling that may feel, though strong in youth. Sigh!
Rejoice, young man, in your youth and direct well your heart when you are young; follow your desires and achieve your ambitions but recall that God will take account of all you do. (Ecclesiastes 11: 9)
But then I go on to probe a little bit further. These very examples have gone to greater glory. I mean, after all, they are recorded in the Law Book. How is this so? There must be some law or principle attached.
I go searching.
Firstly, I study from the first book of Samuel Chapter two. I follow the words of Hannah.
6 Yahweh is Lord of life and death; He brings down to the grave and raises up.
7 Yahweh makes poor and makes rich, He brings low and He exalts.
8 He lifts up the lowly from the dust, and He raises the poor from the ash heap; they will be called to the company of princes, and inherit a seat of honour.
I now go on to study from the book of Luke Chapter one, as I re-trace the words of Mary:
49 The Mighty One has done great things for me, Holy is his Name!
50 From age to age His mercy extends to those who live in his presence.
51 He has acted with power and done wonders, and scattered the proud with their plans.
52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones and lifted up those who are downtrodden.
Wow! I would imagine both Hannah and Mary were singing with much joy. Though each sang their song, they both sang to one accord. A single note was heard from each of their voices and it sang:
He lifts up and brings down; He raises the lowly and casts down the mighty.
Now I hear an echo from the Psalmist.
I listen to the song of Psalm 113:
4 The Lord is exalted over the nations, His glory above the heavens.
5 Who is like the Lord our God, who sits enthroned on high,
6 but also bends down to see on earth as in heaven?
7 He lifts up the poor from the dust and the needy from the ash heap.
8 He makes them sit with princes, with rulers of his people.
9 He gives a home to the barren woman, and makes her a joyful mother. Praise the Lord!
I can definitely find a law somewhere hidden in these words.
For sure, King David sings much like that of Hannah and Mary. So, now I go searching for the law.
I read from the book of Sirach Chapter 3:
18 The greater you are, the more you should humble yourself and thus you will find favour with God.
20 For great is the power of the Lord and it is the humble who give him glory.
There is such a law! Hmm...
When I think about these words taken from the book of Sirach, there are other words that also come to mind.
I read now, from the book of Luke Chapter 3:
3 John proclaimed a baptism for repentant people to obtain forgiveness of sins and he went through the whole country bordering the Jordan River.
4 It was just as is written in the book of the prophet Isaiah: listen to this voice crying out in the desert: prepare the way of the Lord, make his path straight.
5 The valleys will be filled and the mountains and hills made low. Everything crooked will be made straight and the rough paths smooth;
6 and every mortal will see the salvation of God.
From the above, I highlight verse 5 to resemble this Law of Humility.
5 The valleys will be filled and the mountains and hills made low. Everything crooked will be made straight and the rough paths smooth;
Jesus Himself demonstrated this very Law in so many different ways. He was born in a manger, had nowhere to live when his ministry started. He subjected Himself to mock and ridicule while on his mission to complete His life course on earth. When He chose to enter into Jerusalem, He was riding on a donkey. And He ultimately gave in to death, being far removed from his true nature which IS Life.
Jesus found a donkey and sat upon it, as Scripture says: Do not fear, city of Zion, see your King is coming sitting on the colt of a donkey. The disciples were not aware of this at first, but after Jesus was glorified, they realized that this had been written about Him and that this was what had happened to Him. (John 12: 14- 15)
Rejoice greatly, daughter of Zion! Shout for joy, daughter of Jerusalem! For your King is coming, just and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9: 9)
There is one conclusion that I may perhaps draw from all of my findings:
God expects his servants to occupy lowly roles. For man, this is his starting point.
Man acts, but it is the Lord who completes man’s tasks.
The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. (Proverbs 16: 1)
Commit your works to the Lord, And your thoughts will be established. (Proverbs 16: 3)
A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. (Proverbs 16: 9)
I think for a bit. Man operates best from his place of humility. This is the Law. It is God who is then able to raise man up.
I want to draw another point in this direction.
It must mean then, that God Himself is man’s ‘status’ regulator. The Father helps to regulate man’s state such that man remains operating in God’s presence and ultimately, in God’s power. A faithful man, therefore, rests on God’s strength to help him complete all that his Father asks of him. A faithful man never relies on his own strength.
I highlight an interesting point. Most usually perceive a man’s fall as a ‘bad’ thing. But I challenge this thought! Can a fall actually be perceived in good favour? Sometimes, a fall may be God’s way in reminding man to ‘watch himself’. God may be reminding man to re-consider his ways and actions such that man may re-adjust his ways of thinking and actions to fall back in alignment with life’s laws. ‘The fall’ may equal ‘the feedback mechanism’. It is much like when one receives a pain in the abdomen. When man notices pain, it alerts him that something may not be operating correctly and so he spends time to investigate what may have potentially gone wrong, and makes effort to correct his way, such that he receives relief. Simply put, it may be that the Father helps to keep man inside the boundaries of hHs laws, which for man is ways by which he lives. I pause for much thought.
Let us suppose now, I provoke an alternative point of view. Can a man be blameless, yet still be found in a humbling position? Why yes! Is this not the case for Joseph, Sarah, Hannah, Elizabeth, Mary, Sampson’s mother, John, the Baptist, King David and Christ Himself? Hmm... How is it that these men and women walked blamelessly in the eyes of the Father, yet were found in pretty humbling situations? Well, the answer is found in the Law.
For man to operate at best, he operates under the influence of his Lord. But now I ask, how does one get close enough to his Lord, such that he is able to operate under His influence?
I read from the book of James Chapter 4:
8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you...
How does one draw near to God?
I read from the book of Matthew Chapter 5:
3 Fortunate are those who are poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Fortunate are those who mourn, they shall be comforted.
5 Fortunate are the gentle, they shall possess the land.
6 Fortunate are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied.
7 Fortunate are the merciful, for they shall find mercy.
8 Fortunate are those with a pure heart, for they shall see God.
9 Fortunate are those who work for peace, they shall be called children of God.
10 Fortunate are those who are persecuted for the cause of justice for is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Fortunate are you, when people insult you and persecute you and speak all kinds of evil against you because you are my followers.
12 Be glad and joyful, for a great reward is kept for you in God. This is how this people persecuted the prophets who lived before you.
This is my finding. As part of fulfilling the Law of Humility, as a requirement in being close enough to God, man must satisfy the condition of living in his humbled state. Living in humble conditions serve to satisfy the law which promises His nearness. This condition, therefore, satisfies the idea that, not always is man found ‘prideful’ just because he has suffered a fall.
So, being in that humbled condition gives man his greatest opportunity to access that power much mightier than himself. This is the law.
It is my hope, though, that some caution be expressed! Utilizing the Law of Humility means that man must constantly be reviewing and reflecting on his actions. For there exists, the potential for man to be unintentionally led astray by the gifts and rewards that he may receive from the world. Man may start to lose his sense of direction, when He loses track of this law.
I read from the book of Deuteronomy Chapter 8:
2 Remember how Yahweh, your God, brought you through the desert for forty years. He humbled you, to test you and know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his Commandments or not.
16 And He fed you in the desert with manna which your Fathers did not know. He made you experience want and put you to the test, so that it would be for your good later on.
17 lest you say, “with my own strength I have attained all these good things
18 Remember Yahweh you God, the One who gave power to become prosperous, as you are today in fulfilment of the Covenant He promised under oath to your fathers.
Regardless of how much man may receive from the world, he must ALWAYS, above everything else, measure more worthy all that He receives from his God and God Himself. This is the law of Humility; recognizing God’s all-time presence as man walks out the course of his life. The Father, the Eternal One, will always be found to be man’s greatest treasure. Man’s greatest reward is his God.
Now, for a worrying note. I speak on the topic of the ‘lukewarm’.
I read from the book of Revelation Chapter 3:
15 I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were cold or hot!
16 You are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold so I will spit you out of my mouth.
17 You think you are rich and have piled up so much that you need nothing, but you do not realize that you are wretched and to be pitied, poor, blind and naked.
18 I advise you to buy from me gold that has been tested by fire, so that you may be rich, and white clothes to wear so that your nakedness may not shame you, and ointment for your eyes that you may see.
Wow! I hang my head in shame. Silence! The first time I read these lines, I did not feel too good. I felt horrible actually. Such heavy words, yet I suppose, such words may be to wake his children up. I ponder on these words, for a bit, as I reflect on the topic of Humility.
Initially, on sounding, it may be a bit sour to the ears. But after much consideration, I understand! When I consider the law, I get it! The Father is expressing much frustration. Why? Because by utilizing the basis of the law, man may be somewhat following his laws of life, but not entirely, such that, he may not exactly peak to his pride point that may ‘knock’ him over as part of the feedback mechanism that forms parts of the law. In other words, there is no way, by law, that the Father can reach his child if he is not giving him the room for much admonition. I think this an interesting point! Let me stretch this point a little further. Man may choose to disobey the law entirely and he may be served a strong ‘humbling’ ticket for much admonition and correction. But if there is one who is ‘kinda’ dis-obeying, but not really, how much harder it is to be served the correctional pill? One also may ‘kinda’ be following the law, but also dappling in laws that go outside the Father’s lawful boundaries; the boundaries that He has already given man. Even further, is the one who plays the game of jumping in the law for a minute and then jumping out for another minute. This in-between, double-hearted living may actually frustrate the attempts by God to truly reach man’s heart. I consider much. The Father waits on ALL his children to turn to Him and when He thinks it right on His terms, He then regulates through correctional measures. For He loves his own.
Look, I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my call and open the door, I will come in to you and have supper with you, and you with Me. (Revelation 3: 20)
Now I share one last note that hits home for me. I do strike an odd observation when it comes to God’s servants. There seemed to be a common knowledge shared by most, if not, all his servants that brought home the victory. It is on the topic of praising in the midst of really humbling situations.
I read from the second book of Chronicles Chapter 20:
17 You will not need to fight there, but only take up your position, stand firm, and see what salvation Yahweh has in store for you. Judah and Jerusalem, be fearless, de dauntless; go out to battle tomorrow and Yahweh will be with you.”
18 Jehoshaphat bent his head, his face to the ground, and all Judah with those who lived in Jerusalem fell down before Yahweh, worshipping Him.
19 Then the Levites – Kohathites and Korahites– began praising Yahweh the God of Israel at the top of their voices.
21 Then, having held a conference with the people, he ordered some musicians to put on robes they wore on sacred occasions and to march at the head of the army to sing praises to him: “Give praise to Yahweh, for His love is everlasting.”
22 As they began to sing their joy and their praise, Yahweh threw the invading armies into a panic and completely destroyed them...
I now read from the book of Acts Chapter 16:
25 About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.
26 Suddenly a sever earthquake shook the place, rocking the prison to its foundations. Immediately all the doors flew open and the chains of all the prisoners fell off.
I also contemplate the words taken from the book of Daniel Chapter 6:
8 And now, O king, put the decree in writing and have it signed at once, so that it cannot be altered or annulled, in accordance with Medo-Persian laws.
9 King Darius put in writing and signed the prohibition, thus making it a law.
10 Daniel heard about the new law, but just as usual, he returned home and prayed three times a day, giving thanks to his God, in his room upstairs with the windows opened towards Jerusalem.
18 Then the king returned to his palace and spent a sleepless night, refusing food and entertainment.
19 Very early next morning, he rose and hurried to the lion’s den.
20 As he came near he called in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, did your God whom you serve faithfully save you from the lions?”
21 Daniel answered, “Live forever, O king!
22 My God sent his angel who closed the lions’ mouths so that they did not hurt me. God did that because I am innocent in his sight. Neither have I wronged you, O king.”
So, clearly, one may envision that these three servants, Jehoshaphat, Paul and Daniel praised the Lord in the midst of the fire. They were all sent in the furnace of the flames, yet each one bore the joy of the Lord. How can it be? Well...This is the key! In fact, this seems to be THE key to activate giant-sized faith. I take note!
When I think about it. It is okay to praise the Father when all is well and good. But faith becomes elevated to the height of heights when the going gets tough and the tough gets going, if one is only to indulge in the act of praising his Holy Name. This is the kind of faith, from which miracles are made, if one only believes and trusts in God Almighty.
Yet offer to God a sacrifice of thanks, and fulfil your vows to the Most High, Call on me in time of calamity; I will deliver you, and you will glorify me.” (Psalm 50: 14,15)
My enemies turn back when I call on you for help; now I know that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust without fear. What can mortals do against me? I am bound to you by vows, O God; I shall offer my thanksgiving. For You have rescued my soul from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk in God’s presence in the light of the living (Psalm 56: 9-13)
Sigh! This has been a very long thoughtful process. But I feel satisfied from much of my findings. I sit now, in my own silence to reflect on much.
I make it a point now for much encouragement. It is not a time to be discouraged. No. This is not the case! For when the temperature rises, the glory of God also rises. This is the Law of Humility.
As Jesus walked along, He saw a man who had been blind from birth. His disciples asked Him, “Master, was he born blind because of a sin of his, or of his parents?” Jesus answered, “Neither was it for his own sin nor for his parents’. He was born blind so that God’s power might be shown in him. While it is day, we must do the work of the One who sent me; for the night will come when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9: 1-5)
I end here with the words taken from the book of Sirach Chapter 23:
1 O Lord, Father and Master of my life, do not abandon me to the thoughtless words of my lips or allow me to fall because of them.
2 Who will deal out punishment to my thoughts and apply discipline of wisdom to my heart?
3 Let them not be indulgent at my sins or mistakes of my mind, lest m y errors increase and sins multiply, and I fall in to the hands of my enemies, to the joy of me foes.
4 Lord, Father and God of my life, do not allow me to become haughty...
|