January 10, 2016

One of the most powerful and astounding things to me about the Christmas story is the incredible humility of Mary and Joseph. Not only the humility they demonstrated, but the trust they put in G-d. This humility is confirmed and continued by the life of their baby, Jesus. Jesus never fought for position or fame. Rather, He continually baffled His followers by laying down His right to be lauded and honored. The story of Mary, Joseph and Jesus fleeing to Egypt simply confirms their trust, and their humility.

In addition to being a wonderful reminder of God’s amazing gift to us, the Christmas story also points to the kind of self-surrender and humility we are called to walk in as Christ’s followers. If the 1st century version of the “first family” is willing to leave everything as directed by G-d, is willing to listen and discern all that G-d puts in front of them, then shouldn’t we be willing to walk the same path? And how will we know what G-d calls us to do if we do not know what G-d directs through       G-d’s word? This culture constantly pushes us to fight for our rights, demand respect, know who you are and be confident in your identity. If then we call ourselves Christians, we better know what Christ says if we are to live our lives “In Christ”, which is counter to what our society demands. Instead of striving to be noticed and appreciated, we are to take an entirely different posture into every area of our lives, one of humility and self-denial. Whether we are recognized and applauded or disregarded and overlooked, it should make no difference to us. If we want to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, we will need to know how he lived, and how he calls us to live.

Paul reminds us, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. . . . Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God . . . made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. . . (Phil. 2:3-8). In other words, we do not read the bible so we can prove to others we know more, but so that we can prove to ourselves that we are aware of what it means to live “In Christ”.

In 2016, we are embarking on a quest of knowledge – to better understand G-d’s will for your life and for mine. Instead of fighting for your own recognition, chose the lowest place – the place of a humble servant – a humble servant who desires to know the word of G-d both on paper, and through the life of the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ.

Pastor Dave