April 16 - Humble Endings

 Read today’s texts first: 1 Samuel 18; 1 Chronicles 6; Psalms 11; Matthew 3

MAXIMize YOUR DAY
 
Apart from  God we can do nothing, but we can do
all things through Christ who strengthens us!

God seems to specialize in humble beginnings, choosing the least likely leaders from the lowliest families who live in the most insignificant places. With so many examples of this humility in their own history, it is surprising the Jews didn’t expect a similar profile for their Messiah. Born in a barn to poor parents from an embarrassingly small town, Jesus arrived on the scene in the most unpretentious way imaginable. Apart from a few barn animals and some unsavoury shepherds, no one saw it coming!

But more important than humble beginnings, as we will see in the comparisons between Saul and David, is a humble ending. While it seems impossible, Jesus ended His life on earth with less fanfare than it began. After His death, well that’s another story! Rising from the dead, appearing and disappearing in front of His friends at will, and ascending physically into heaven is impressive stuff. And that’s what happens to those who follow Him in a humble and selfless life. Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will lift you up (James 4:10).

We’ve already observed the effects of pride in Saul’s life: ignoring God’s commands, trying to please and appease people, focusing on public image, justifying sin, deflecting blame and honouring himself. Now as David rises on the scene and begins to attract the peoples’ attention, deep and dark jealousy starts to consume Saul (18:6-12). Comparisons, anger, insecurity, striving, manipulation and self-centeredness are all symptoms of human pride. But gratitude, grace, peace, self-control, thoughtfulness and God’s blessing accompanies godly humility.

We see it consistently in the life of David, who always seemed genuinely surprised and grateful for his success and popularity (18:18,23). Coincidentally, we see the same demure deference in John the Baptist in our NT reading (Matt. 3:11-15). This meekness and dependence on God characterized the entire lives of these two great leaders, from humble beginnings through to a humble end.

“Lord, this is my desire and if I ever allow my own pride to erode godly humility, I welcome Your correction. Apart from You I can do nothing, but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (John 15:5; Phil. 4:13).