GLORIOUS HUMILITY
- Key Verse
- "You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor." (Psalm 8:5)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
Modesty does not mean lack of greatness. One may be of lesser status or ability, but glory does not forsake them, and splendor does not need arrogance to acquire its rewards. True glory can come from the effort of one and pure motives.
Reflections
“Make something beautiful in us, make something glorious, though we are fallen.” Steve Mielke
The boy was running down to the battle field where his brothers were. He was bringing food for them as they fought the foreigners trying to invade their land. He wished to be with them, side by side as a family. Fighting for each other and earning their respect as a man. But he was prevented from this as he must stay home with his aging father and his farm. Though he was not in the heat of battle with his brothers, this was his chance to finally help the soldiers. Oh how he marveled at them, the way they feared none, fighting without any possibility of failure in their minds. The mere thought made the boy become enchanted with his own imagination, but he was brought back to his senses by the sight of the main camp. His vision made him beat his already numb feet into the ground harder as he quickly ran toward the camp. But when he got there, what he saw was not what he expected. Instead of seeing brave men standing ready for battle, David saw a giant named Goliath speaking blasphemy to The God of Israel. David got mad, and took his first step in a long career of courage.
David came from the humblest of backgrounds, but gained glory beyond what any of his peers had ever done. And though he could have taken all the credit for himself, he gave it totally to God. Now he is remembered as one of the greatest kings in the Bible. He was also given possibly the highest honor one could receive: being part of the bloodline of the greatest king to have ever lived, Jesus Christ. Glory can come from humility, all you have to do is wait for God to give it to you.Discussion Questions
1. How does the story of David’s success contrast with what we typically think of as success?
2. What areas in our lives do we need to acknowledge Him?
3. Why is it hard to wait for God to reward you for your service to Him?
Chip Smith
January 12, 2010 06:22 AM
Good morning Andrew. I imagine you are still asleep right now and soon will be awake and getting ready for school. You have written a very good journey log this morning. In Psalm eight is a great paradox. Perhaps, one of the greatest paradoxes. It is verse four. The One who created it all is mindful of me and you. Your narrative of young David headed off to help his brothers in battle is excellent. You had me right there imagining as a young boy soon to be a man heads to the front lines with hope and as the situation unfolds, steps up to the plate to defend the honor of God. As you head off to school today and to the battlefield called life, I see you like David holding your head high because you know the Great King Jesus knows every hair on your head and has a great plan for you today and every day for the rest of your life. Have a great day, David…I mean Andrew.
Cindy S. Brown
January 12, 2010 07:25 AM
Andrew: Thank you for a really, really great devotional! I was completely caught up in your story. And what a great illustration of God raising up someone to greatness from their humble beginnings. Our next step is to also follow David by being sure that we always point any glory we get back to the Source of all glory! What an honor that He uses us to reflect His glory to a world who desperately needs to see it!
one of the faces in church
January 12, 2010 07:25 AM
I need to restart the journey with God, i've bee far away caught up in the despair of loss at home and work...I left God, he never left me...the psalms remind me of his love, his grace and his companionship...if David could find God admist his trials, I can too...I need to find the truth that God is with me despite how I feel or don't feel...please pray for me
randy
January 12, 2010 07:31 AM
thank you Andrew for setting us on the right foot for our journey today! Oh Lord, Our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth The heavens declare Your greatness The oceans cry out to You The mountains, they bow down before You So I'll join with the earth and I'll give my praise to You http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQsRmu2aGI4
Bob King
January 12, 2010 07:41 AM
Andrew, God used you this morning to influence many people's hearts and minds! May you continue to grow up to be a man that chases after God...you'll find great purpose, meaning, and influence!
Carol McCall
January 12, 2010 08:02 AM
". . . splendor does not need arrogance to acquire its rewards." That is an AWESOME phrase,young man! And true. And beautifully written. Wow, thanks! So Jesus Christ, so Holy Spirit, so God the Father: their incomparable splendor contains no arrogance in spite of containing the most power of all, the most splendor.
Betsy Doolittle
January 12, 2010 08:11 AM
Andrew- Thank you for your fascinating devotional! While I was reading Psalm 8, I wasn't thinking about man having glory, but was focused on the heavens...and yet I see a serious need in me to wait in humility and not try to earn glory for myself, like you point out using David. What an AWESOME thought! Betsy Doolittle
John Pirc
January 12, 2010 08:31 AM
Andrew, thank you for the inspirational devotional!
Brad Medford
January 12, 2010 08:39 AM
Andrew- As I look back over my life God has blessed me with some great men to help reveal His truth to me. Thank you for being one of those men.
Mom
January 12, 2010 08:47 AM
Like David you are taking many first steps that are developing your courage and your character. I know like me the Lord is pleased. Part of what I need to do to grow in humility is to wait on the Lord and not assume a plan of attack. Thank you for encouaging me not to take glory but to wait as He does things the way that is best. I love you.
Scott
January 12, 2010 09:10 AM
You ROCK, Andrew! What an incredible story and insight. God has plans for you, dude. Stay focused on Him and He will continually reveal them to you.
Eric Hoehn
January 12, 2010 09:31 AM
Andrew, Great retelling of David's story. Thanks for a great devotional
Marilyn Dixon
January 12, 2010 09:48 AM
Andrew, Thank you for the inspiring devotional. Like Betsy, I, too, was thinking of God's glory when I read this scripture. In making man, that God made him "a little lower than the angels and crowned him with glory and honor" is a humbling thought. I count it a privilege to have attended Acuna trips with you and watch God use you in mighty ways as you humbly and tirelessly serve God and His people there without one word of complaint. You will be rewarded in heaven for what you have done.
A Fellow Sojourner :)
January 12, 2010 10:13 AM
To: One of the Faces in Church. Please know you are a precious unique individual that God has created and indeed has a special assignment (purpose) for your life. I hear your pain and will pray for HIS peace. While you are going through these temporary challenges (in light of eternity), please remember God is always there by our sides - even though at times it may not feel that way. HE LOVES you soo much and is refining you for HIS glory - what a honor when we see the BIG picture!! I would encourage to take time today to walk in nature and listen to His still quiet voice as HE yearns to talk, love, comfort and guide you. We are praying for you... you are on the right path in seeking His truth..remember he promises to reveal it to us when we seek with all our heart - just as David did! Lift your eyes up... as you seek HIS face!
Harriet Smith
January 12, 2010 01:05 PM
Andrew, you pulled me right into the story. I had no idea you were talking about David until you said his name. It really even helps to make your point about humility. I echo Marilyn's comments about watching you serve the Mexican people tirelessly and with joy. I have watched you model what you are talking about in this devotional. Thanks for challenging us today to walk in humbleness.
Susy Smith
January 12, 2010 03:05 PM
I just read last night that humility comes from grace and not from our sin. I was very happy to continue learning about humility when I read your devotional today. Thanks for reminding me that God does not look at outward appearance or age to use someone but rather God sees our hearts.
the little sis
January 12, 2010 04:27 PM
nice devotional weirdo. ik u think im always bein prideful. evnthough i may not always act like it i do love you...... sometimes.
Charlie Haas
January 12, 2010 05:24 PM
Wow!! Andrew, great insight, thanks for the reminder.
Aunt Becky
January 12, 2010 07:29 PM
Thank you so much for the reality check. I often selfishly dream of how to win glory or praise from my boss, friend, peers etc., Perhaps I should dream more about how to glorify God. Hmmmmm........
uncle widd
January 12, 2010 09:04 PM
What wonderful insight to a story I have heard many times growing up. Thank you for a fresh perspective from a young man that god will continue to use in a special way. You are in our prayers...
Papa T
January 12, 2010 09:58 PM
Andrew, I enjoy watching you grow as a young man of God - just as David did. Thank you for sharing your insight and clarity.
Steve Mielke
January 13, 2010 08:59 AM
Great devo this morning Andrew! Telling a part of David's story this way was unique, and it helped pull us deeper into this passage.
Kathy
January 14, 2010 12:46 AM
Wow! If only more people could see the wisdom in some of our future leaders. Can we adopt you???
Haley
January 14, 2010 04:01 PM
good job andrdew luv u
Benjamin miller
January 20, 2010 02:47 PM
Wow that was nice.I didn't expect you to do one and i didn't expect u to talk about goliath and david.