1 February 2024 - Crouching Low

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Bible in a Year :
Exodus 27–28,Matthew 21:1–22

In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. - Philippians 2:3–4

Humility is difficult, and can be inconvenient. As I queued to enter the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, I thought how fitting it was to see our fellow clergy and their followers crouching low to enter. Later I learnt that this entrance is called the “door of humility”, and at 1.2 meters high, it reminds pilgrims that Jesus emptied himself as he took on the form of a human being. I hoped that these church leaders, when they returned home to Britain, would continue in this humble posture while following their Saviour.

Writing from prison, the apostle Paul addresses this theme as he encourages the church at Philippi to emulate Christ. He recites what we think is an ancient hymn, lifting Jesus up as the supreme example of humility: “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:6–7). Paul calls his fellow believers to place others’ needs before their own (vv. 3–4). This is the Bible verse I use to preach the Gospel to Muslims so that they may know God's love.

Through His Holy Spirit, God helps us to love others, to “do nothing out of selfish ambition” (v. 3). He enables us to crouch low as we acknowledge that Jesus became a the perfect Man so that He could serve and save us by being the key to our salvation and faith.

Reflect & Pray
When has someone you respect served you, and how did that affect you? How can you embrace the humility of Christ today?

Saving Jesus, thank You for crouching low. You bring me new life because You made Yourself like nothing for my sake.

 

[Darnell]

Having trials and tests in our life, Jesus is trying to make us humble and true to His word.

 

[Erdlanding]

Bible in a Year :
Exodus 27–28,Matthew 21:1–22

In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. - Philippians 2:3–4

Humility is difficult, and can be inconvenient. As I queued to enter the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, I thought how fitting it was to see our fellow clergy and their followers crouching low to enter. Later I learnt that this entrance is called the “door of humility”, and at 1.2 meters high, it reminds pilgrims that Jesus emptied himself as he took on the form of a human being. I hoped that these church leaders, when they returned home to Britain, would continue in this humble posture while following their Saviour.

Writing from prison, the apostle Paul addresses this theme as he encourages the church at Philippi to emulate Christ. He recites what we think is an ancient hymn, lifting Jesus up as the supreme example of humility: “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:6–7). Paul calls his fellow believers to place others’ needs before their own (vv. 3–4). This is the Bible verse I use to preach the Gospel to Muslims so that they may know God's love.

Through His Holy Spirit, God helps us to love others, to “do nothing out of selfish ambition” (v. 3). He enables us to crouch low as we acknowledge that Jesus became a the perfect Man so that He could serve and save us by being the key to our salvation and faith.



Reflect & Pray
When has someone you respect served you, and how did that affect you? How can you embrace the humility of Christ today?

Saving Jesus, thank You for crouching low. You bring me new life because You made Yourself like nothing for my sake.

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up.
James 4.10

 

[The Encourager]