Some are considered great or consider themselves so because of what they have done. That was a focus of Nebuchadnezzar and God humbled him. (Daniel 4:30-33) Herod took the praise of men to heart and holding the glory for himself, his life was ended. (Acts 12:21-23) It is not the power of accomplishment or position above others that makes one great, but rather the humility of submission to God and His purposes which brings the greatness of His exaltation.
This is the greatness we see in Moses; the one noted as more meek than all the people on the earth. (Numbers 12:3) Yes, he had stood against Pharaoh and the plagues exalted him, especially in the eyes of the Egyptians. (Exodus 10:7; 11:3) However, Moses did not allow any of that to go to his head. At a time when God was placing some of the spirit of Moses on seventy of the elders to assist him with the burden of the people, two who had remained at their tents began to prophesy. When this was reported (Numbers 11:27), consider Moses’ response where we read. . .
“(28) And Joshua the son of Nun, the assistant of Moses from his youth, said, “My lord Moses, stop them.” (29) But Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!”” (Numbers 11:28-29 ESV)
And when John the baptizer was informed many who had been following him had turned to follow Jesus (John 3:26), note his response where we read. . .
“(28) You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ (29) The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. (30) He must increase, but I must decrease.”” (John 3:28-30 ESV)
Neither Moses nor John was presumptive regarding their roles. They humbly served in the place God put them and fulfilled the role that was given them. In the greatness of their humility they served the function to which they had been called to serve and God exalted them in the process.
To those who seemed to think more highly of themselves then they should have (Matthew 23:5-7), Jesus stated. . .
“(11) The greatest among you shall be your servant. (12) Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:11-12 ESV)
James also exhorted. . .
“(10) Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (James 4:10 ESV)
Peter similarly urged. . .
“(6) Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, (7) casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV)
May we not assume more than is ours as we seek to humbly serve the purposes of God in our life. In the surrender of our life to God, the greatest thing that can be done is not the bringing of glory to ourselves, but to Him. Then, in the process, He will do the exalting. To His glory there is significant service in which we can all engage. May we find satisfaction in humbly serving God purposes in the day-to-day opportunities He provides!
Have a great day EXPERIENCING THE GREATNESS OF GLORIFYING GOD!
Carl
