In the Old Testament, the mention of humility in Deuteronomy 8 carries with it the notion of destitution, especially before the gaze of the mighty God. Pharaoh felt this powerful look in Exodus and yet did not humble himself or bow down in reverence. The Bible uses the word “humbled” to describe the state of a people wandering in the wilderness, fed and clothed by the Lord, but kept short of the full enjoyment of a home in a land filled with milk and honey, rich in natural resources and experiencing the joys of His beautiful creation. The people of Israel needed a time of added testing through the exodus when the Lord brought them low so that He could shape them into a people fully capable of serving Him as a nation of priests. When they failed repeatedly in this endeavor, their shortcomings are revealed in light of an awesome God.
In contrast, Moses displayed the willingness to accept God’s direction for the nation of Israel and to further God’s work while under the weight of affliction as the people waited to finally reach their new home. Exodus 33:15 “And he said to him, ‘If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here.” Moses desired God’s involvement, he knew he needed God’s instruction and steady hand if he hoped to meet success in the daily arena of life. Moses’ humility facilitated a ready acceptance of God’s direction and empowerment which thus created in the man a contentment of soul and demonstrated teachability. Thus humility and submission to God go hand-in-hand. Of course, we also know Moses stumbled in a moment of pride that stole God’s glory in front of the people.
Now, do we make ourselves humble? That seems inconceivable given this Old Testament example and especially absent the work of God in our life through the Holy Spirit. It’s His proactive involvement in the life of the believer that creates the opportunity to live humbly until we meet the grand model of Jesus Christ. Jesus makes a way not only by His own example but also by the power of His presence in the life of the believer. Hence the significance of John the Baptist’s proclamation, “I must decrease and He must increase.” As a result, humility is a necessary outcome to those who seek to do His will. Arguably, humility forms the very foundation of Christlikeness. Philippians 2:5-8 says “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” No human being yet knows the depths of appropriate humility as does our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, though we should certainly strive with Him to know it because He Himself strove!
If we desire the good fruit, then the Lord sows our lives with difficulties, and we must behold Him in quiet meditation on the word and in prayer, not letting the press of the world distract us from our singular focus on the God of both justice and mercy. Asking for humility is a perilous request and a journey fraught with trouble, but the growth we experience in the Lord lasts an eternity. Therefore, it is worth the strugglein light of who God is and who we are in His plan, so let us humble ourselves before Him. Being led, taught, and developed by His mighty yet tender hand.
