1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Psalm 139:1-6, Matthew 23:23-26
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HUMILIATION
"Fresh from the humiliation we had suffered at Philippi — about which you
know — we drew courage from our God to preach His good tidings to you in
the face of great opposition." —1 Thessalonians 2:2
When we've just been humiliated, we tend to focus on ourselves, be
unforgiving and resentful, lick our wounds, and/or have a pity party.
However, such a time of humiliation can be just the right time to proclaim
the gospel. The humiliation we suffered may have been a defensive maneuver
by the devil to try to stop us from receiving an exceptional outpouring of
God's grace. When humiliated, we shouldn't draw back but charge forward.
For example, when Paul was humiliated, beaten, dragged from Lystra, and
left for dead, he "got up and went back into the town" (Acts 14:19-20).
When Paul and Silas were arrested, stripped, flogged, and had their feet
chained to a stake, they did not shut up or shut down but prayed and sang
to the Lord (Acts 16:19-25). Before long an earthquake rocked the prison,
and Paul and Silas converted the jailer and his family to the Lord (Acts
16:33). After Jesus' ultimate humiliation on Calvary, He had the ultimate
victory of resurrection from the dead.
Humiliation isn't always a bad sign. It often precedes the greatest works
of God in our lives, if we would only respond to God and not the momentary
experience of humiliation.
Prayer: Father, by faith may I let You turn my humiliation to the good (Rm
8:28).
Promise: "First cleanse the inside of the cup so that its outside may be
clean." —Mt 23:26
Praise: St, Louis used his public office and kingly position to further
the kingdom of the true King, Jesus Christ.
(For a related teaching, order our tape "Accepting Correction" on audio AV
77-1 or video V-77.)
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
August 1, 2009 through September 30, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, February 11, 2009
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.
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