16 October 2010
Psalm 20, 21; Ecclus. 3:17-31; Acts 28:17-31; Luke 9:37-50

What would it mean to walk humbly before God? Would it mean that we take nothing for granted, that we never assume or presume to know what we do not know from Him? Moses is described in the Word as the most humble man on earth and he spent time in the Tent of Meeting to learn about the Lord and His ways. Humility is one of the most important traits of Jesus, and perhaps the most overlooked. Constantly He speaks of hearing the Father’s voice in all things, no matter how trivial it might seem to us. Decisions that seem obvious to others require prayer for Jesus to discern the will of the Father. Here we see the writer imploring us to walk humbly and to remember who we are at all times, never to take on things too great for us and never to get out of place. The warning is strong for those of position and power and we must always remember that warning. The best leaders are prayerful people.

The disciples are humbled several times. They are unable to heal this child even though in the past they have done miraculous things. They are caught out in a ridiculous argument about who is the greatest. Finally, they are told not to concern themselves with those who are not part of the party who are doing things in the name of Jesus. We are limited, we are not Jesus, and there are others whom we do not know who are also called and gifted. It is important for us to remember who we are.

Paul, in chains in Rome, continues to proclaim His Savior, Jesus. The Jews from Rome seem not to have received word from Jerusalem about Paul but they have heard of Christianity that everywhere it is spoken against, it has a bad reputation among Jews who describe it as a sect of Judaism. Paul takes the time to meet with them and explain things and, as always, some believe and some don’t and in the end Paul is reminded that the prophets have always said that some will not see and hear. Even in chains, Paul is ministering and spreading the Gospel. How many opportunities have we lost because we lived under the circumstances instead of allowing God to be glorified in them?

Be exalted, O Lord, in your strength!
We will sing and praise your power.