'Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”' (Matt 9:35-38)
'He must become greater; I must become less.’ John 3:30
I've been thinking a lot about this verse this week and I believe that it is the key to unlock real and genuine humility as a follower of Jesus.
The dictionary definition is this:
humility | hjʊˈmɪlɪti |
the quality of having a modest view of one's value or importance
But how do we gain this unassuming view of ourselves?
How often do you have people willingly come up to you wanting to hear about Jesus? Bursting out of their skin with enthusiasm (so much so they can't sit still!) to learn more from God's word?
This is the hunger and attitude that our kids and youth bring to church each week. After each Sunday I hear the reports of them going home from church and asking to hear more stories from the Bible, asking their friends at school if they know Jesus, praying for those they know to come to Jesus. Our youth are regularly inviting friends on a Friday night so they too might know the hope and life found only in Jesus.
‘God’s will’. It’s a contentious phrase.
For some, it raises theological debate around predestination and for others, more personal questions of guidance, like ‘Which job should I take? Who should I marry? or When should we start a family?’ More than that, it raises questions around God’s goodness. When big life decisions don’t turn out how we hoped - we miss the promotion, a relationship breaks down or having children proves more difficult than we thought – we find ourselves asking ‘How on earth could this be your will? Is this really what you desire for me God?’
‘One size fits all’ or ‘Tailor made’ Love?
A few weeks ago, I read the whole letter of 1 Thessalonians in one sitting. It was an encouraging read of a healthy church. They love one another well. But Paul urges them ‘to do so more and more’. But how? Is love a ‘one size fits all’ kind of thing or does it look different in different relationships?
God is not stingy; generosity is one of his characteristics.
We will see this on Sunday as we look at Jesus miracle of turning water into wine. He doesn't produce cheap cask booze but the finest of wine for the guests of the wedding.
God's greatest and most generous gift towards us is the death of his own Son on our behalf. This mercy and grace is where Jesus takes the penalty we deserve for our sin and rebellion.
