Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | August 26, 2010

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility”

Today’s devotion is Luke 20:45-47.
 
“45  And while all the people were listening, He said to the disciples, 
                                   
 46  “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love respectful greetings in the market places, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets,
                                 

 47  who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”  Luke 20:45-47. 

Today’s Scripture is very similar to Matthew 23:5-7.  Jesus concludes a few verses later:  “Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.”  Matthew 23:12.  But, it does not even take this cross-reference.  We already know the importance of humility.

“You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”  1 Peter 5:5. 

Does God give us grace because we are humble?  Or, does God give us grace to be able to be humble?

We know what is contained in our unregenerated natural condition (“total depravity”).  “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness.  “All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.”  Mark 7:21-23.  “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins,”  Ephesians 2:1.

But, there is hope! 

“When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions,”  Colossians 2:13.

Colossians Chapter 3 continues by urging us to put on the new self.  “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”  Colossians 3:1.  “… put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him–”  Colossians 3:10.      

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;  bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone;  just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.  Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.”  Colossians 3:12-14.

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