September 23, 2024
Humility -- Part 1
Proverbs 25:6-7
09/23/2024
6 Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence
or stand in the place of the great,
7a for it is better to be told, ``Come up here,''
than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.
(ESV)
The theme of this week's readings is humility. How can we,
who have confessed that we are by nature sinful and unclean,
place ourselves above others as the paragon of virtue? Rather,
because we know that our help is in the name of the Lord who made
heaven and earth, that which we do reflects glory upon Him. If
we are to be given praise and honor, let it be given because we
have been saved from sin, death, and the power of the devil by
the innocent suffering and death of Jesus Christ. Our glory is a
gift given to us because He is risen from the dead, lives, and
reigns through all eternity.
This week's Old Testament lesson comes from Proverbs, words
of King Solomon preserved by scribes in the Temple.
Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence or
stand in the place of the great, for it is better to be
told, ``Come up here,'' than to be put lower in the
presence of a noble.
Jesus later told a group of Pharisees, scribes, and lawyers
the same thing. Rather than seek worldly honor, show humility.
If honor is due, let someone else bestow it upon you. Otherwise,
it is your own ego speaking out of arrogance. That never wins
friends or influences people.
We are called to love God above all things, and to serve our
neighbors. Therefore, let others stand in the place of honor.
May our Lord grant us humble hearts which seek first the
kingdom of God and His righteousness. Amen.