The Lodestar

The Greek word for “humble” implies lowness. Luke uses this word to describe mountains cut short to ground level: “Every mountain and hill shall be made low” (Luke 3:5). However, it signifies an attitude of humility in most of its occurrences in the Bible.

Greek philosophy does not explicitly refer to humility as desirable, but the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, insists on this human virtue. Even the posture in prayer, humbling before God, is an expression of humility.

It is the view of having a high regard for others, especially God. Abraham considered himself very low before the majesty of the Lord, saying, “I who am but dust and ashes” (Gen 18:27). But there were people who questioned God, disregarding his majesty and his sovereignty over them. The Bible calls them fools. “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good” (Psa 14:1).

Humbling is a human act. But exalting is a divine act. Moreover, they are related. God exalts only those who humble themselves. Apostle James points out God’s attitude toward those who consider themselves greater than others. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble”(James 4:6).

The primary meaning of the word “humble,” to be low in altitude, illustrates this flow of grace from the Lord, as the principle of gravity dictates that water flows from a higher to a lower level. So is divine grace. It flows from the Lord’s mighty presence to the hearts of those who are humble and lowly.

Mary recognised this truth when the angel told her she would give birth to Jesus, the world's saviour. She places herself as the lowly servant girl of God. “For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed” (Luke 1:48). Then she makes a powerful statement on how the Lord deals with the proud and the humble. “He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble” (Luke 1:52).

We must always be humble before the Lord to ensure the flow of the Lord’s grace to our weary and thirsty lives.

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