August 3
2 Chronicles 33:14-34:33; Romans 16:10-27; Psalm 26:1-12; Proverbs 20:19
As we near the end of our study of the kings of Israel and Judah we see one of the key ingredients that determined the outcome of each of them. The choice of the king to live in humility or pride always ended up steering their lives. Manasseh is a powerful example of a king who experienced both. He began his reign by doing what he wanted and opposing God, but by the end of his life humbled himself before God. He went from believing himself to be the sole king to acknowledging God as the ultimate king and leader of his life and the nation. In contrast, his son Amon was “unlike his father Manasseh, he did not humble himself before the Lord.” His short reign was marked by pride, disaster, and foolishness. In another contrast, Josiah, Amon’s son, chooses to embrace humility and follow God wherever he leads. Embracing humility or rejecting it, very much led to the outcome of each of these reigns.
We may not notice it at first, but Romans 16 also speaks to humility. Though Paul may be the most famous New Testament author, he did not do ministry alone. Despite his obvious gifts and ministry effectiveness, he knew that he needed others to serve alongside him, which is what this chapter describes. Further, he warns the church of those whose lives are marked by pride and create divisions in the church. Instead, what he urges us to is a life marked by humility, service, and working alongside others. We cannot live the Christian life on our own but instead need to continually walk in humility where we desperately rely upon God and others. Don’t be an Amon, be a Josiah and a Paul.
Father God, help me to recognize my need for you every day. I need your power, wisdom, and guidance. Help me to seek you and submit before you. I am justified by your grace, sanctified by your power, and will be glorified by your hand, so help me to live in reliance upon you. Amen.
Question: How could humility more clearly reveal itself in your relationships?
As we near the end of our study of the kings of Israel and Judah we see one of the key ingredients that determined the outcome of each of them. The choice of the king to live in humility or pride always ended up steering their lives. Manasseh is a powerful example of a king who experienced both. He began his reign by doing what he wanted and opposing God, but by the end of his life humbled himself before God. He went from believing himself to be the sole king to acknowledging God as the ultimate king and leader of his life and the nation. In contrast, his son Amon was “unlike his father Manasseh, he did not humble himself before the Lord.” His short reign was marked by pride, disaster, and foolishness. In another contrast, Josiah, Amon’s son, chooses to embrace humility and follow God wherever he leads. Embracing humility or rejecting it, very much led to the outcome of each of these reigns.
We may not notice it at first, but Romans 16 also speaks to humility. Though Paul may be the most famous New Testament author, he did not do ministry alone. Despite his obvious gifts and ministry effectiveness, he knew that he needed others to serve alongside him, which is what this chapter describes. Further, he warns the church of those whose lives are marked by pride and create divisions in the church. Instead, what he urges us to is a life marked by humility, service, and working alongside others. We cannot live the Christian life on our own but instead need to continually walk in humility where we desperately rely upon God and others. Don’t be an Amon, be a Josiah and a Paul.
Father God, help me to recognize my need for you every day. I need your power, wisdom, and guidance. Help me to seek you and submit before you. I am justified by your grace, sanctified by your power, and will be glorified by your hand, so help me to live in reliance upon you. Amen.
Question: How could humility more clearly reveal itself in your relationships?
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