June 13, 2021: SOAP #4210:  1Kings 13,14; 2Chronicles 12; Philippians 3

SCRIPTURE:  2Chronicles (NIV) 12:5 Then the prophet Shemaiah came to Rehoboam and to the leaders of Judah who had assembled in Jerusalem for fear of Shishak, and he said to them, “This is what the LORD says: ‘You have abandoned me; therefore I now abandon you to Shishak.’” 6 The leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, “The LORD is just.” 7 When the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, this word of the LORD came to Shemaiah: “Since they have humbled themselves, I will not destroy them but will soon give them deliverance. My wrath will not be poured out on Jerusalem through Shishak. 8 They will, however, become subject to him, so that they may learn the difference between serving me and serving the kings of other lands.”…12 Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the LORD’s anger turned from him, and he was not totally destroyed. Indeed, there was some good in Judah.

OBSERVATION:  Humility has great value to God. Humility is not thinking I am better than anyone else.  Humility is a proper attitude toward God.  Humility is seeing the image of God in those around me.  Humility is being willing to serve others. Humility is the proper attitude of a servant.  Humility is being willing to take on the least desirable task.  Humility is not being easily offended.  Humility makes one approachable. Humility is the proper attitude toward authority.  Humility is being able to take direction and accept correction.  But best of all:  humility makes us attractive to God!!! 

In Isaiah 14:12-15 we read that Satan set himself in pride to become like God.  In Philippians 2:5-8 we read that Jesus humbled Himself to become like man!  Satan was brought down; Jesus was exalted!  Just as pride leads to a fall (Proverbs 16:18), so humility leads to honor (Proverbs 15:33).

APPLICATION:  When I walk in pride, I am acting like the devil.  When I walk in humility, I am acting like Jesus. 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, you have placed your Holy Spirit in me to make me like Jesus. Help me walk in true humility. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity.