For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Mat 23.12 NIV
Comment
The other day I was doing my quiet time and was particularly challenged by this passage and the associated notes (Encounter with God from Scripture Union). In the previous verses Jesus is haranguing the religious leaders. He questions their value system and we are challenged to live the one he preached and practised. It’s not about position, or prestige, or self serving religious humbug, but the humble service of others. And then in verse 12 we are reminded it is God’s business to exalt or humble.
This made me sit up and think. God both exalts and humbles us and He regularly chooses to do that through our partners. In fact my partner is in a unique position to do just that for she is my best friend and I trust her like nobody else and she can blow me up or pull me down…. like nobody else.
It was like I received a ‘God nudge’ which said; your partner is a gift to you from me “listen to what I say through her”.
How does God exalt and humble you?
Prayer (as a couple)
Dear Father God, we thank you that you love us and that you care enough about us to humble us when we need humbling and that you exalt us too; all for the sake of our growth, your kingdom, your people, your glory. Help us to continue to receive each other as a gift from you. Help us to recognise when you are talking to us through our partners and to respond in a way that pleases you. Amen.
Prayer (for others)
Dear Father God, thank you that you care for us as you do. We lift up …. and …. and pray that they will recognise and accept your humbling and exaltation, to your glory. Amen.
