Daily Devotion for May 23, 2006

Of Humility and Humiliation

 

Each time he [God] said, “My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9a

 

A pastor once told me that sometimes humility comes through humiliation. Joseph had been humiliated several times: sold into slavery by his brothers, imprisoned on false charges of rape and now forgotten in prison, for years. Then his chance came. The king wanted his advice. If he could impress the king, he might be set free, or even rewarded. “It is beyond my power to do this,” Joseph replied, "But God will tell you what it means and will set you at ease.” (Genesis 41:16)

 

 I think his humiliation nurtured his humility. This humility bore him great rewards, and not only for him, as we shall see as we read further in Scripture.

 

 Some of my greatest moments of humility have come when I must publicly admit that I was wrong. I cannot imagine the humiliation of being publicly accused and convicted when innocent. Joseph had this happen. Jesus had this happen, too. I have no reason to believe that I am exempt from the same thing happening to me. I just need to remember what God told Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9.

 

Prayer
Father, I have a great deal of trouble with humility. I always want to prove myself innocent…or right. I know life is not going to always treat me fair. Sometimes I get better than I deserve, sometimes I get worse. In any case, let me honor you with my humility. For I have no reason to be proud in myself.  Amen

 

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Tim Hetzner - President - Lutheran Church Charities
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