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“God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.” Matthew 5:5 (NLT)

John the Baptist was a bit different. He wore camel hair clothes with a leather belt. His diet consisted of locusts and wild honey, and he lived in the wilderness. He denounced the religious establishment. He once called the Pharisees and Sadducees (religious leaders) a “brood of snakes” while throwing down the gauntlet: “’Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.’” (Matthew 3:8)

John was also meek.

Meek? When we think of meekness, we might not picture a man like John. In our key verse, those who are humble (or meek) are those who are willing to view themselves as they really are and submit to God and His Word.

John had reason to be proud. An angel announced his birth, proclaiming that John would have the “spirit and power of Elijah” as he prepared the way for the coming of the long-awaited Messiah. However, when given the opportunity to brag of his place in the kingdom of God, John responded to queries about his identity with this statement: “’I’m not even worthy to be his [Jesus’] slave and untie the straps of his sandal.’” (John 1:27)

John recognized himself for what he really was—“a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Clear the way for the LORD’s coming!’” He submitted himself to God and His Word as he spoke the truth with boldness and clarity.

Do we have to live on the outskirts of society or eat locusts and honey in order to possess humility? How can we realize who we really are? “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matthew 9:36 NLT) Jesus is our Good Shepherd (John 10:11 NLT), Who sacrifices His life for us. Without Him, we are lost sheep.

Will we choose to submit to God and His Word? Which door will we open? Door #1: We can take pride in ourselves and our accomplishments. Our reward is superficial praise and temporary adoration. Door #2: We can submit to God, seeking His will, obeying His commands, and praising Him along the way. Our reward is inheriting the whole earth. I choose door #2. I’m with John.

“Lord, I recognize that without You I am a lost sheep. I choose to submit myself to You and Your Word in everything I do.”

For His Glory

Tammy Randlett (http://staletoast.com)
TRBC Women’s Life