Day 80 Through The Bible
Day 80: The Power of Humility – Looking and Living
In our journey through life, we often face moments where we question God, just as the Israelites did. When challenges and discomforts arise, it’s easy to allow frustration and criticism to take over. The Israelites were no strangers to this, as seen in Numbers 21:5-9. The people spoke against God and Moses, questioning why they were brought out of Egypt only to die in the wilderness. They complained about the lack of food and water, even growing weary of the manna, the “light bread” God had provided. Their complaints were harsh, exaggerated, and filled with unbelief.
In response to their criticism, God sent fiery serpents among them, and many of the Israelites were bitten and died. But this was not the end of the story. In the face of judgment, the people humbled themselves, admitted their sins, and begged for mercy. God, in His grace, answered their cries with a powerful image—a fiery serpent on a pole. Those who looked upon it would live. This image served as a visual representation of both judgment and mercy.
God's Response: Judgment and Mercy Through Humility
This story reminds us of how God responds when we humble ourselves. The people were quick to criticize, but only after they humbled themselves and acknowledged their sin did they experience God's mercy. The fiery serpents were a physical manifestation of God's judgment, but the image of the brass serpent on a pole symbolized His mercy. It was a simple yet profound message: look and live. When the people looked at the serpent, they were healed. Their salvation was tied directly to their humility and willingness to accept God's way despite their endured pain.
In our own lives, God often uses physical and visible reminders to draw us closer to Him. But, like the Israelites, we must approach God humbly for His mercy to flow. Humility is the key that unlocks God’s grace; without it, we remain distant from the healing and restoration He offers.
Humility: The Pathway to Grace and Victory
James 4:6-9 offers us another clear picture of how God responds to our attitudes. “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6). This passage emphasizes the importance of humility as a necessary condition for receiving God’s grace. Only when we humble ourselves can we resist the devil and experience God's nearness. Humility makes way for grace. Without it, we will not be able to resist the devil, nor will we be able to grow closer to God.
Humility also allows us to recognize our need for cleansing. James continues, “Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double-minded” (James 4:8). through humility, we can see the dirt in our lives that needs to be cleaned. When we are afflicted and face hardships or difficulties, we are often forced to examine ourselves. These afflictions are not meant to break us but to humble us—so we can see our sin, acknowledge it, and turn to God for mercy and cleansing.
Looking and Living: A Call to Humility in Affliction
The serpent's image on a pole reminds us that judgment is real, but so is mercy. It also reminds us that in our afflictions, we are called to humble ourselves, acknowledge our faults, and look to God for healing. Humility isn’t just a posture we take before God; it’s a heart condition that allows us to receive His grace.
As we face trials, let us not allow frustration, pride, or bitterness to take root. Instead, let us humble ourselves before God, recognizing that only through humility will we experience His grace and healing. Only in that place of humility can we see the dirt in our hearts that needs to be cleansed, and only then can we truly live—physically, spiritually, and emotionally.
So, just as the Israelites were told to look at the serpent and live, we, too, must look to the mercy of God and allow Him to transform us. When we look with humility, we can live in the fullness of God's grace.
Reflection:
Are there areas of pride or self-sufficiency that must be humbled before God?
How can affliction be a tool to bring you closer to God rather than drive you away?
Are you willing to humble yourself, confess your sins, and look to God for healing and grace?
Prayer: Lord, help me to walk in humility before You. Please open my eyes to the areas where I need to be cleansed and give me the grace to repent. Thank You for Your mercy and grace to those who humble themselves before You. Help me to draw near to You in my afflictions, knowing that You are faithful to heal and restore. Amen.
