The Humiliation of the Righteous – The Path to Exaltation
Let us delve into the often-misunderstood concept of the humiliation of the righteous, and understand it as a pathway to exaltation, a path shaped by humility and dependence on God.
1. Humiliation as a Sign of Dependence on God (Genesis 18:27)
“Then Abraham answered and said, See, now I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes.” (Genesis 18:27). Abraham, a man of great faith, recognized his insignificance before the Almighty. This humility is not weakness, but a profound understanding of our place in God’s grand design. It is acknowledging that all we have comes from Him.
2. God's Call and the Chosen One's Humility (Exodus 3:11)
“And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and bring out the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11). Moses, chosen by God for a monumental task, questioned his own ability. This is not doubt, but a humble recognition of his human limitations. God often chooses the humble, those who recognize their need for His strength.
3. Humility Even in the Face of Divine Calling (Exodus 4:10)
“Then Moses said to the Lord, ‘Ah, my Lord! I am not an eloquent man, neither yesterday nor the day before, nor since you spoke to your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.’” (Exodus 4:10). Even after receiving God’s direct commission, Moses still felt inadequate. This teaches us that human weakness does not hinder God’s power. In fact, it often becomes the very canvas upon which His glory is displayed.
4. The Smallness of Man Before God's Plan (1 Samuel 9:21)
“Then Saul answered and said, Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then speakest thou to me such words?” (1 Samuel 9:21). Saul, before becoming king, recognized his humble origins. God uses those who understand their smallness, those who rely on His greatness.
5. Awareness of One's Own Limitation (Proverbs 30:2)
“Surely I am more brutish than anyone; I do not have the understanding of a man.” (Proverbs 30:2). The righteous do not boast of their wisdom or abilities. They understand that true wisdom comes from God, and they approach Him with humility and reverence.
6. John the Baptist: An Example of Humility Before Christ (Mark 1:7)
“And he preached, saying, After me cometh he that is mightier than I, the latchet of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.” (Mark 1:7). John the Baptist, a powerful prophet, recognized his unworthiness before Jesus. This humility is a hallmark of the righteous, who always give glory to God.
7. Paul: The Least Among the Apostles (1 Corinthians 15:9)
“For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.” (1 Corinthians 15:9). Paul, a mighty apostle, never forgot his past. He understood that his position was a gift of God’s grace. The righteous do not exalt themselves, but glorify the Lord’s mercy.
- Preaching on The Folly of Self-Exaltation
- Preaching on Why Attending the House of God?
- Preaching on Impenitent: Excluded from the Kingdom of Heaven
Conclusion
The humiliation of the righteous is not a sign of weakness, but a demonstration of their profound dependence on God. It is through humility that we are lifted up, through recognizing our limitations that we experience His limitless power. Let us walk in humility, knowing that God exalts those who humble themselves before Him. Amen.
