Written October 14th, 2009:

There has been a definite theme developing in these notes over the last several weeks. One of the notes was about how we are helpless and desperately need God to cleanse us of the leprosy of sin. Another was how we must see our need for a Savior before we can answer His call. Even our “guest writer,” Jerry Bridges, wrote about how we are “Desperately Dependant” on the Holy Spirit, even needing Him to enable us to do the work that is our part.

Today, one of the verses I looked at was Luke 6:20: “And turning His gaze on His disciples, He began to say, ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.’” The cross referenced verse was Matthew 5:3, which says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit…” One of the commentaries said:

“All mankind are spiritually poor; they have nothing to eat that is fit and proper; nor any clothes to wear, but rags; nor are they able to purchase either; they have no money to buy with; they are in debt, owe ten thousand talents, and have nothing to pay; and in such a condition, that they are not able to help themselves. The greater part of mankind are insensible of this their condition; …there are some who are sensible of it, who see their poverty and want, …are humbled for it, and are broken under a sense of it; …and frankly acknowledge, that all they have, or hope to have, is owing to the free grace of God.”*

More of the same. Why do I keep getting the same message over and over again? Perhaps because of these verses:

…clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. (I Peter 5:5b-7)

Did you catch that? God “opposes” the proud. He is actively opposed to those who will not humble themselves. I don’t know about you, but I do not want to have God actively opposing me!

I have been reading a small book called Humility: True Greatness**. In it the author gives this definition of humility: “Humility is honestly assessing ourselves in light of God’s holiness and our sinfulness.”

That’s why I keep hearing the same message! When we understand the depth of our need, our inability to help ourselves, our sinfulness alongside God’s holiness—when we keep these things in mind all while we rejoice in the saving grace and love of Jesus, we will avoid being quite so proud all the time, and will begin to humble ourselves. We won’t need to compare or compete with one another to feel better about ourselves. We will be secure under God’s hand, because He cares for us.

*From John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible by Dr. John Gill (1690-1771)

**Humility: True Greatness by C. J. Mahaney—I highly recommend this little book!

I realized I haven't posted one of these in quite a while. This was written on September 1st, shortly before our local PWOC's kick-off for the year:

I first heard about the new PWOC theme for this year late last May at the WILD (Women Intent on Leadership Development) training some of us attended: “Arise, for the Lord extends His scepter.” As I was preparing to present the theme at the kickoff this Thursday, I once again thought about the image of a king, extending his scepter to signify that he was granting permission to approach his throne. Since I learned of the theme, I have wondered why the story of Esther is not mentioned in the theme explanation. The king extended his scepter to Esther when she had approached him uninvited, risking death. But instead of ordering her execution, he welcomed her into his presence, asking what she would like him to do for her. (Esther 5:1-3) In the same way, Jesus paid the price for our sins, granting us “entry” into the presence of God when we entered into a personal relationship with Him.

Today I realized that while the story of Esther shows how a scepter was used by kings to grant access, it is not a very good illustration of how God similarly grants us access into His presence. In the story of Esther, after her first approach she once again risked death to speak to the king uninvited, and once again, the king extended his scepter. (Esther 7:3-4) While the scepter in our theme does represent God’s favor and His granting of access into His presence, it is not an invitation we must continually seek, risking death if He should choose to reject us. He has accepted us once for all because of His Son. We have a permanent invitation into His presence, because we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ. We do not have to come to Him in fear, trying to make ourselves “good enough” each time we approach Him. Jesus paid the price in full. He is our access.

Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need. Heb. 4:16