RPG Adults
REST IN JESUS
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
1 Peter 5:5-7
Job 5:8-17
“The bands of the wicked
have robbed me: but I
have not forgotten thy law.”
REST IN JESUS
Humility is a recurring subject throughout Scripture. The Lord told the Israelites He had taken them into the wilderness to teach them humility (Deut 8:2). The idea of our text, “God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble,” (1 Pet 5:5) no doubt comes from Job 22:29. This same idea is also taught in James 4:6.
The need for a humble spirit is taught so often because only in humility of heart and mind can we truly boast and rest in the Lord (Ps 34:2). This quality was a hallmark of the ministry and life of Jesus Christ. He who was God and worthy of all honour humbled Himself to bring about our salvation. And we are challenged to have that same mind, that is to say, we must have the same manner of looking at things (Phil 2:5-8).
The haughty, self-willed person has no place in God’s service. One who must have his own way, easily has his feelings hurt, or constantly is in disagreement with the church, will only cause damage to the Lord’s work no matter how talented he may be. It is only as we humble ourselves before the mighty hand of God that He can lift us up, empower us, and truly use us for His service (1 Pet 5:6; James 4:10).
It is only when we recognise the majesty of God and our own insufficiency that we can rest in God and the certainty of His purpose. The days of scheming, planning and working for our own ends will then be over as we come to rest in Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2). It is only in humility of heart that we can truly cast all our cares on the Saviour. When we see ourselves as able to do nothing, but that God working through us, we are able to do all things, then we are truly resting in Him (1 Pet 5:7; Phil 4:13).
THOUGHT: What attitude do I need to truly rest in the Lord?
PRAYER: Father, help me to imitate the humility of Christ my Saviour.