The Wicket Gate

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Scripture:

Romans 3: 9-31, Genesis 32: 9-12

Questions to Consider:

1. How does Jacob’s prayer before meeting Esau demonstrate his dependence on God?
2. What can we learn from Jacob’s humility and acknowledgment of God’s blessings?

Reflection:

There is a common theme among biblical characters and that is that at one point or another they confess their sin and worthlessness before God. I will give you a few examples:

1. King David many times in the Psalms.
2. King David speaking of EVERYONE. (Psalm 14 and Psalm 53)
3. Isaiah when seeing a vision of God. (Isaiah 6)
4. Jonah (Jonah 2)
5. Paul quoting from the Psalms (Romans 3) and of himself (1 Timothy)

Being humbled before God is an important part of our relationship with him. Far too often our relationship is framed around the idea that “Jesus is my homeboy”. We chuckle but it’s true. He most certainly is your friend but he is at least equally your Lord and the biblical posture for beholding the face of God is one of being undone.

When was the last time you confessed with Jacob, “I am not worthy of anything you have done for me, Lord”. Or with Isaiah, “Woe is me for I am lost.” Or with David that “all have turned aside and none do good, including me.” This humility is necessary for our relationship with Christ because while it is a relationship it is not like any other that we have. There is no equality, there is none like our God.

There is more though. Romans 3 makes clear that in the position of humility we meet Christ, receive forgiveness (Passover) and are justified. The just becomes the justifier and we receive his righteousness. Yes, we are exalted in righteousness and made a child of the father and a friend of Christ but humility is always first. Hear the words of Peter:

Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you. 1 Peter 5: 5-6 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2016. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Humble yourselves before our holy God and he will surely bless you and at the proper time, exalt you.

Prayer:

Lord keep us humble and help us to confess our sin and seek only to be undone in your presence. Thank you for blessing and exalting us by your grace. In Jesus name, Amen.