Goliath stands in the open field, spewing out his blasphemies and curses at the army of Israel. Behind him were the multitudes of his own people, each one raising their voice to ridicule the trembling Israelis. David, a simple shepherd boy, steps onto the field and with a single stone takes away the Philistines’ confidence. With their hero dead, their arrogance was gone. They ran in fear as the Israelites pursued. What a change of events. Just one young man turned the table on the enemy. With no visible support by his family or nation, he stepped out to do God’s will. Pride needs a mob, whereas humility can stand alone. “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (I Peter 5:5)
Before God can use us, we must take off our ego, our self-confidence and pride. We must humble ourselves before God, then He will raise us up. Moises, the prince of Egypt, was trained in the courts of Pharaoh. He knew the art of war and so when he saw an Egyptian beating an Israeli, he easily killed him. From Moises, the mighty man of war, let’s jump ahead 40 years. Now he is in the desert, caring for a flock of sheep. He no longer looks like a prince, nor has the confidence of rank and rule. But, Moises is now in the place where he can meet God. As he approaches the burning bush, God speaks: “…take off your sandals…” (Exodus 3:5) He needed to take off the last vestiges of confidence in his flesh. His feet needed to touch the ground. Just like Paul, he had to get off his high horse and fall on his face before the mighty God. He needed to humble himself.
To discern the difference between humility and self-abasement, let us look at the conversation between God and Moises. God gives Moise a challenge, a purpose and a vision for his life. Moises replies with: “who am I?” (Exodus 3:11) God did not tell Moises who Moises was but revealed who He is; that He would be with him. It doesn’t matter who we are but rather who God is. Then Moise replied: “What is Your name?” (v.13-14) The answer is interesting. God’s name is “I AM”. First, “I am” is an incomplete sentence. It was a revelation that would be progressively filled in throughout the history of God’s presence with His people. “I AM your provider”; “I AM your healer”; “I AM your righteousness”, etc. Secondly, “I AM” is the present tense. God is the God of today. Humility’s confidence is in God’s ability today.
The anointing is like springs of water. It comes from the highest mountain and flows to the lowest places. Moises was at his lowest time in life when God called him. To help Moises know how to flow in the anointing and still maintain his humility, God sent Aaron, his brother, as his mouthpiece and support. He gave him some “practice time” in the miraculous and prophetic and assured him that Pharaoh would release the people from slavery. God took Moises as he was. He used what was in his hand. He did not ask Moises what he needed to get the job done, but what he had. With only a staff, (rod), a simple piece of wood, the power of God was made manifest.
I am sure there still remained a bit of trepidation in the heart of Moises as he returned to Egypt. Humility does not mean there is no fear or anxiety. It just means you obey anyway. Humility is making yourself available, no matter what you feel about yourself. It is being God-conscience and not self-conscience. So, take off the ego and talents you are trusting in and lean wholly of God.
Scriptures to meditate on: Exodus 3:1-4:17; I Peter 5:5-7; Matthew 6:25-34