Matthew 3:13-17
The redemptive presence of Jesus brings confident humility. John could not imagine the need for the King of the universe to be baptized by him. This sanctifying act could not be necessary, could it? “No, Jesus! I must be sanctified by you.” John knew who Jesus was. So would everyone present, at least those who listened as the voice of the Father rumbled from the sky. Indeed, it was not John who sanctified Jesus, but the Father who declared, “This is my Son, whom I love.”
Humility comes when you know your rightful place. God certainly has a way of helping us remember who we are in light of who He is. John the Baptist probably had a bit of a shift in his deepest self when he realized that Jesus was on the scene. Chances are, there was at least a little pride in this preacher because of the fruit of ministry; that is until Jesus arrived and John was confronted with who the real John was.
But, you can also have confidence in Jesus’ presence, when you know you have been restored to your Creator. Confidence comes because you are in right relationship with a God who loved you enough to buy you back and restore you to that relationship. There is also a confidence that what God calls you to do for Him, He will equip you to do. Confidence, properly rooted in who God is, and not who you are, is a life necessity.
The result is a confident humility – knowing who you are in the never-ending presence of your Redeemer.
In what ways is God saying to you, “You need to come down a few notches.” How is he humbling you? What about your confidence level? How is God saying to you, “You can, because I can”? Talk to Him about it.
© Chuck Coward 2008
