A Dose of Humility

 O. T. #2250  "A Dose of Humility"

August 4, 2022

Zephaniah 3-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

The godly of Judah were told by the prophet Zephaniah to wait on the Lord while His judgment is accomplished among the nations and Judah. We know that it took 70 years of captivity in Babylon before Israel was ready for restoration. come to think of it, that would have been a whole generation. 

Four things are mentioned which would happen in Israel:

1. God would gather the nations for judgment. (verse 8b)
2. He would purify His people. (verses 9-11a) 
3. God would remove pride. (verses 11b-13a)
4. He will provide for His people. (verse13b)

Gentiles will be converted, join Israel in speaking Hebrew language. There will be unity in worshiping and praising Jehovah God. The people will serve God together. The Jews which were dispersed to other nations and Ethiopia will return to Jerusalem. There will be no cause for shame nor pride, for false priests will be removed. The remnant will be purified of their sins, whether in word or work. There will be peace and fellowship with God. When a nation is spiritually right with God, there will be peace, provision, and protection by God for His people. [Resource: The Liberty Bible Commentary]

Wow! What a time in which to live and experience. This sounds like the time during the reign of Christ in the Millenium, doesn't it?

LET IT GROW

Doesn't the Lord know how to humble us? The other night I started having sharp pain in my kidney. I have a small cyst there, so I realized why this was happening. I drank too much pop and not enough water last week during VBS. It was my own doing that brought on the pain. So I humbled myself before God and asked forgiveness for not taking care of my body. After a couple of days of fever and pain, I survived. Thanks to the grace of God. I know that I must be disciplined in that area. What about you? Has God humbled you recently?

The remnant places trust in God and His plan of salvation will bring safety and security. We know that salvation is found only in believing in the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior. We are told to humble ourselves before a Holy God, as found in 1 Peter 5:5-7,

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.

When we rest in God's promises and trust Him, we are relieved of anxiety. 

But He giveth more grace. Wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:6-7)

Submission is a fundamental attitude of spiritual maturity. Humility is" lowly mindedness," an attitude that one is not too good to serve. As a slave put on an apron to keep his clothes clean, so we are to wrap ourselves in humility. (MacArthur)

God's grace is greater than the power of sin, the flesh, the world, and Satan. (Romans 5:20) Who obtains God's grace? The humble believers do. As the church submits to Christ, so believers are to submit to authorities over us. Either Jesus is Lord of our life or not. Is He your Lord?

LET IT GO

Grace, grace, God's grace, is greater than all our sin.

Morning by morning, great is Your faithfulness to me.

You give strength for today and hope for tomorrow.

Use us a Your servant today, Jesus.