Humble

Humble, not proud, or believing that you are important. - Cambridge Dictionary

You know you read some of the stories in the bible more than once. It’s either you are studying the story, or it’s used in a sermon as a message. But it’s like you can read all the stories a million times but the Holy Spirit keeps revealing more and more and helps you understand the depth of every word.

I grew up hearing and learning of the birth story of Jesus. I remember building stables around Christmas time and putting baby Jesus right in the middle, in the manger. And growing older singing the song “Jesus was born in a stable”. But never have I realized and understood the depth and meaning of “The manger”.

A manger is an open box from which cattle and horses feed.  -Cambridge Dictionary.

This particular time I was reading the birth of Jesus through the lens of the disciple Luke.

and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. – Luke 2:7

And suddenly it hit me. Jesus the King of Kings, Lord of Lords was placed in a manger. The same God who said, “Let there be light” and the same God who separated the light from the darkness allowed His son to be placed in a manger. That’s when Holy Spirit revealed to me, this same God could have made a palace out of rocks for His son, or a crib made from materials that were not even known to man. But He still chose and allowed his son, His only son, to be placed in a manger.

The manger was an act of humbleness. This brought me to a whole other level of self-examine. As a human being, I sometimes think I’m deserving of so much, or I can be consumed by achievements. But this revelation is such a wake-up call to always stay humble. If Jesus was placed in a manger, then who am I?

It’s not about what I achieve or about my talents, it’s about my humble heart who is truly His.

Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. -Romans 12:3

A de Wind - Jansen