The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 2 Chronicles 12:7, 12,
"When the Lord saw that they humbled themselves, this word of the Lord came to Shemaiah: 'Since they have humbled themselves, I will not destroy them but will soon give them deliverance. My wrath will not be poured out on Jerusalem through Shishak.'"... "Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the Lord's anger turned from him, and he was not totally destroyed. Indeed, there was some good in Judah."
Twice in this chapter humility is observed, a humility expressed by the leaders of Israel and King Rehoboam. That humility was rewarded by the Lord in preventing Judah from being totally destroyed by Shishak, the king of Egypt.
Humility is a quality that is no stranger to the Scriptures. We learn much from the book of Proverbs about humility. Peter observes a reference from Proverbs 3:34, "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5b. This was certainly Rehoboam's experience.
We learn from the Scriptures that humility is what paves the path to spirituality and well-being. Here are a few verses from Proverbs:
"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." Proverbs 11:2.
"Wisdom's instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor." Proverbs 15:33.
"Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud." Proverbs 16:9.
"Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor." Proverbs 18:12.
"Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life." Proverbs 22:4.
"Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor." Proverbs 29:23.
"When the Lord saw that they humbled themselves, this word of the Lord came to Shemaiah: 'Since they have humbled themselves, I will not destroy them but will soon give them deliverance. My wrath will not be poured out on Jerusalem through Shishak.'"... "Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the Lord's anger turned from him, and he was not totally destroyed. Indeed, there was some good in Judah."
Twice in this chapter humility is observed, a humility expressed by the leaders of Israel and King Rehoboam. That humility was rewarded by the Lord in preventing Judah from being totally destroyed by Shishak, the king of Egypt.
Humility is a quality that is no stranger to the Scriptures. We learn much from the book of Proverbs about humility. Peter observes a reference from Proverbs 3:34, "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5b. This was certainly Rehoboam's experience.
We learn from the Scriptures that humility is what paves the path to spirituality and well-being. Here are a few verses from Proverbs:
"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." Proverbs 11:2.
"Wisdom's instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor." Proverbs 15:33.
"Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud." Proverbs 16:9.
"Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor." Proverbs 18:12.
"Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life." Proverbs 22:4.
"Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor." Proverbs 29:23.
If these statements be true, and I certainly am entirely persuaded they are, then the issue of humility appears to me to be something to be engaged as a priority in our lives.
Just sayin'...
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
No comments:
Post a Comment