Daily Devotion, October 5, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read 1 Peter 5:5-6.

This Sunday’s parable is the story of “The Pharisee and The Tax Collector.”  From Luke 18, Jesus tells the story of the prayers of two men, one who exalts himself before God and one who humbles himself before God. Jesus concludes this parable with these words. “All who exalt themselves will be humbled and all those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

First Peter is written to encourage the Christians who are living in exile in an area which was then known as Asia Minor. Even in the midst of suffering and persecution, this letter called them to live faithfully following in the ways of Christ.

First Peter 5:5-6 in particular is a call for all to practice Christ’s way of humility. Sometimes we compare and contrast humility with pride. But the commentaries compare it in this scripture to the word, “exaltation”. The phrase, “clothe yourselves with humility” is a call to wear the clothes of a servant rather than the clothes of royalty.

Jesus practiced the ways of humbleness in many ways and particularly as he washed his disciples’ feet. Afterwards, he gave them the commandment to go and do likewise. Jesus, no doubt knew the scripture which First Peter 5:5b is quoting from Proverbs 3:34, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 

This way of humility reminds us that God is God, and we are not. Psalm 100 says, “We are the sheep of his pasture. It is he that has made us and not we ourselves.” A humble spirit leads us to give respect, honor, praise and worship unto God.

The gifts of exaltation and peace are in God’s hands and in God’s care. First Peter 5:7 gives the assurance to the earliest Christians and to us today, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Personal Worship Option:

Yes, God cares for you and offers peace. The first verse of Isaac Watts hymn, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” moves us from a false sense of pride to honest humility. “When I survey the wondrous cross, on which the Prince of glory died. My richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride.”