“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:8
The eighth and final way we manifest humility before the Lord is by readily submitting even to the worst parts of our circumstances, says Boston. Theologians often refer to the incarnation as the “humiliation of Christ.” The level of humiliation that took place when God, the second person of the Trinity, laid aside His infinite glory to become a human being in the womb, subject to all the normal weaknesses of human flesh apart from sin, is impossible for us to estimate. But Jesus did not just submit to the incarnation, He submitted to the worst part of His purpose in becoming man: the cross. But Hebrews 12:2 tells us that He endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him. Jesus saw through the humiliation, even the worst parts of it, to His exaltation and glorification.
The same is to be true for us who are His disciples. 2 Timothy 3:12 assures us that all who desire to live a godly life will suffer. But we are to see through our trials to the exaltation and glory that awaits, even in the worst of circumstances. Boston goes on to say that this current life we are living is really the time of humiliation. It is our purpose to be humbled. We certainly go through times of blessing praise God, as well as times of trial but in this life, overall, we are appointed for humiliation. It is God’s good work in those who are being saved.
There is no humbling after this life, only reward, blessing, exaltation, and glory. Not that there is no humility, on the contrary, only the truly humble will be there. But in eternity there will be no need for someone to be humbled. It has already been accomplished. Just as Jesus saw through the suffering and trials of this life, submitting to them humbly but also looking through them to glory, so also are we to follow in His footsteps.
Humbly submit to your circumstances, even the worst parts, knowing that in them God is accomplishing true humility in the servant of Lord who is destined for glory. For humility is of great value, precious and treasured in the sight of God. (I Peter 3:4).
His mercy endures forever!
Pastor Flynn
Photo by Mateus Campos Felipe