The Babe of Bethlehem

The Babe of Bethlehem had characteristics that could be—and can be—found in other babies. The Bible tells us that He grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. (Lk. 2:40 NKJV) He also increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. (Lk. 2:52) These characteristics are unusual, but history records a number of unusual children with hearts tender toward God.

There are some essential differences, however, between the baby named Jesus and other babies. When He became a man, Jesus died for the sin of all people. He could do this because, unknown to most people, He carried within Himself a divine seed that came from God. By sacrificing His divine life, He broke the power of Satan—and He specifically broke Satan’s hold upon the lives of people who call upon Him.

Jesus humbled Himself and came to earth as a man—to die for the sin of all men—so we can have eternal life. The Babe of Bethlehem died in my place.

Originally published December 24, 1987.

The Humble Shall Hear

Thanksgiving originated as a harvest festival—as a day when the early Pilgrims offered thanks to God for the year’s crop. Their very lives depended on full storehouses, so we can imagine their gratitude was heart-felt. They knew they were vulnerable—and that they could not provide for their needs without God’s help.

In United States today, we can be thankful for a multitude of blessings on Thanksgiving Day. Because it is a national holiday, we might focus on historic aspects of the celebration. The vital connection of the Pilgrims to God reminds us that, after a certain amount of struggle, the early leaders made a decision to offer freedom of religious expression for both the minorities and the majority.

But do we remember that true thankfulness contains an element of humility? Thankfulness means we are grateful to someone for providing what we did not provide on our own. It looks to the One who helps us when we cannot help ourselves. David was king and a poet whose wrote many songs of thanksgiving. He wrote in one of his songs, I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord, the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. (Ps. 34:1-2 KJV)

This Thanksgiving, remember to thank God for His blessings. We need them.

Originally published November 22, 1985.

The Lord Appeared to Solomon

Solomon was a newly anointed King who recognized his inexperience and his shortcomings. At the same time, Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statues of his father David, except that he burned incense at the high places. (I Kings 3:3 NKJV)

This is one of those amazing verses. God’s law specifically told the Israelites they should not worship at the high places. The high places were remnants of pagan worship that had not been totally removed from the land. And yet, the next verses tell us, Now the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was great high place . . . At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon. . . . (vs. 4a,5a)

Why would God appear to Solomon at a high place? Why would God be pleased with the young king's request at the high place? Why would God give the young king not only wisdom to overcome inexperience and shortcomings—but material blessings as well? How could that be?

Perhaps it had something to do with the history of Gibeon. At one time the Ark of the Covenant had rested there. Perhaps people worshipped at Gibeon because it was a historic place. Although not the place of God's Presence, it served as a reminder of God's Presence.

But there is another reason. God is more concerned with attitude than form. Solomon loved God and God meets people who have sincere hearts—even if some things are out-of-order. Love for God overrules technical problems.

It is good to get the form right. We could suggest that if Solomon had known better when he was young, he might not have succumbed to the many problems that plagued him later. But God is sovereign. And He responds to humble hearts.

Originally published August 28, 1992.

And Moses Listened

Moses communicated directly with God, and God told him to do amazing things. When he did, miracles happened. It would be enough to make a person proud. But the Bible tells us, Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all the men who were on the face of the earth. (Num. 12:3 NKJV)

Moses demonstrated this humble nature more than once. When his father-in-law Jethro came to hear everything that God had done for Moses and the Israelites, Jethro was more than a little impressed. He concluded the God of Israel was the God above all gods.

Nevertheless, the next day Jethro offered advice to Moses after seeing the long line of people waiting for Moses to settle their disputes. He said, you will surely wear yourselves out. For this thing is too much for you; you are not able to perform it by yourself. (Ex. 18:18)

Moses listened. He didn't think God spoke only to him, and he willingly received from another person. Without a trace of pride he incorporated his father-in-law’s advice by choosing men to help him with the task.

Originally published September 4, 1992.

Praying for Others

Sometimes we want God to bless an individual who absolutely does not deserve it. We might even wonder if it's right to pray for such an individual. But because we love—or at least enjoy—this person, we want God to bless them.

When struggling with conflicting emotions, it’s helpful to remember that God does not move in people’s hearts because they deserve it. He told Ezekiel to tell the Isrealites, “I do not do this for your sake, O house of Israel, but for my Holy Name’s sake, which you have profaned.” (Ez. 36,22,23 NKJV)

We are more likely to feel comfortable praying for people who live on the edge when we remember our own sin. When we recognize our unworthy nature we remember that not one of us deserves God’s blessings. Yet God blesses anyway.

God says, I will sprinkle clean water on you . . . I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart . . . I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statues. . . . (vs. 25-36)

God is more than willing to bless others, even those who live on the edge. He wants to draw people to Himself and He wants us to pray for them.

Originally published May 7, 1993.

Picture: Viewed from the street, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Secure and Humble

True humility is not the same as a poor self-image. It is rooted in love, and it is based on a good self-image and emotional security.

Jesus was the most secure person who ever lived; His self-image came from His Heavenly Father. But secure people do not flaunt their security or their position. So on the night of the Passover meal, Jesus displayed the freedom to step down from His position of authority to provided a vivid image of a servant-leader. [He] rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. (Jn. 13:4-5 NKJV)

Although Jesus knew all that lay ahead, and although He knew He could choose to walk away from His impending death, He also knew He would submit to His Father. And submitting to the Father required a servant’s heart. So, during this final meal together, Jesus securely and humbly served His followers.

Originally published July 27, 1990.