“He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes, with the princes of His people” (Psalm 113:7-8).

Psalm 113

T he wealthiest man who ever lived was Saint Francis of Assisi, because when he gave away everything, all the world was his. One of the most-quoted and -admired men who ever lived, Francis said, “God could not have chosen anyone less qualified, or more of a sinner, than myself. And so, for this wonderful work He intends to perform through us, He selected me–for God always chooses the weak and the absurd, and those who count for nothing.”

Francis is remembered for the time he stood in a town square and asked all his Franciscan brothers to name all his faults publicly, because he had heard too many good things being said about himself.

One of his most-noteworthy quotes reveals the depths of his meek and lowly heart as he said, “O divine master, grant me that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love; for it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.”

Admiring humble Christ-followers brings out true humility in the one who admires. When Head Coach Doug Pederson of the Philadelphia Eagles was first interviewed after his team won the Super Bowl, he immediately ducked the credit and proclaimed to tens of millions in the exuberant TV audience, “First of all, I want to give the glory to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”

Jesus’ brother James seemed to have a picture window into the heart of God when he said, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6b).

• Psalm 113:1-3 – “Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forever. From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the Lord is to be praised.”
  • As we grow in our understanding of the greatness, the might, the sovereignty, and the majesty of God, we begin to understand what it means to walk in humility. Why is that? How can we maintain that perspective throughout a busy day?

 

• Psalm 113:4-6 – “The Lord is high above all nations; His glory is above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God, who is enthroned on high, who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in heaven and in the earth?”
  Psalm 8:4 – “What is man that You take thought of him, and the son of man that You care for him?”
  • It is mind-blowing that the God of the universe would humble Himself to care deeply for His people on the tiny speck of dust in the cosmos on which we live! How does His humility affect yours?
  • Why does the humble lamb go deeper in his love, praise, and fear of his Shepherd?

 

• Proverbs 18:12 – “Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, but humility goes before honor.”
  • There are five seasons in the year: winter, spring, summer, pride, fall. When do you struggle the most with false humility and pride?

 

• Colossians 3:12 – “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
  • What does it mean for a true seeker of God’s heart to “put on” humility?
  • What makes humble people so attractive?

 

• 1 Peter 5:6 – “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time.”
  • Why is it in God’s nature to exalt the humble heart?
    THE SHEPHERD’S CALL

    John 13:15 – ​“For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.”

    From today’s scripture, how does ​THE​ Shepherd inspire ​you​ to shepherd ​your​ flock?

    MINUTE OF MEDITATION

    “Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, but humility goes before honor” (Proverbs 18:12).

    PRAYER

    A​doration, ​C​onfession, ​T​hanksgiving, ​S​upplication