The title of this devotion is plain and simple. I once heard these two words when I was experiencing a moment of worldly success and glory. I have never forgotten them because of their impact-both at that moment and over the rest of my life. These two little words were spoken at just the right moment and caused my heart and mind to be changed for good.
Our natural tendency as humans living in a fallen world is to seek honor, glory, and power. We possess a natural desire for exciting lives of recognition and success in this world. Humility is a trait not often valued in today's world.
When the Word of God reached the king of Nineveh, who was the most powerful and successful man in the land, he did a most unnatural thing: he humbled himself. He gave up his seat of power, and lowered himself to a place of repentance before God. The power of God's Word transformed the king and caused him to recognize his true place-one of repentance and humility before the true King of glory. God in His mercy looked down upon the repentant and humble hearts of Nineveh, and He relented from the destruction He was about to unleash on them for their sinful lives.
The truth of God's Word has this same power to transform our lives. It enables us to see the truth that this world seeks only to destroy us; and so the Word drives us to our knees in humble repentance just as it did the king of Nineveh. And because of the humbling and atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, God likewise turns from His wrath against our sin-stained lives and offers us nothing less than grace and eternal salvation.
THE PRAYER: Almighty Father, through the power of Your Word, You caused a king to humble himself and recognize his need to be saved. Grant us that same humble and repentant heart as we recognize our need for salvation, so that we, too, seek Your forgiveness, through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.
Written by Pastor Gene Johnson
Grace Lutheran Church - Port St. Lucie, Florida
|
