Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Lenten Reflections: Humility

"But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted him and fled." - Matthew 26:56

Humiliation

We began the Lenten season together in humiliation. Ashes marked our foreheads, humiliating reminders of our sin and morality.

Ashes to ashes. Dust to dust. 

Humiliation

Despite His divine nature, Christ chose the path of humility, not humiliation. Similar word origins, but very different perspectives. And in doing so, He disarmed His enemies, even the enemy of death, the corporate enemy of all. Humility didn't comfort Him. Humility didn't make His path any easier. Humility didn't embrace Him. Humility left Him alone. Humility rewarded Him with spit in His face, a back torn to the bone and a cross in which to hang on.
   
In His humility, Christ shows us that we have a choice: humiliation or humility. The choice lies within us, although the world may see no distinction. While we may choose to walk in complete, nothing guarantees that we will not stand humiliated. The result of humiliation or humility is from our perspective. 

Do we walk our spiritual journeys humiliated or humble

Lord, as we make our way through this second week of Lent, we come to you with the choice; to walk though the remainder of Lent as humble, or humiliated. Through the power of Your Spirit, enable us to face the world as humble servants of the living God, sometimes alone and deserted, but complete in You. Amen