“For this is what the high and lofty One says that inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit,
To revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.” - Isaiah 57:15
The words of Isaiah teach us to be humble and contrite before the Lord who made us. When Satan came to Eve, he promised knowledge ,
t o be as God , from eating the forbidden fruit. That was an appeal to be independent from our Creator, which is the essence of pride.
It was through Satan's lie that Eve was deceived. Others have noted that Adam was present and said nothing to oppose Satan's lie.
Paul distinguishes Eve's deception from Adam's disobedience. ( 1 Timothy 2:14, 2 Corinthians 11:3 )
The scriptures repeatedly show us our need of humility, and consistently warn against the sin of pride. If we are familiar with the scriptures,
we are vulnerable to quickly scanning over any quotation of them because of our prior knowledge of them. Thus our knowledge of scripture
may become a temptation for us not to hear it. Some spoke their pride: “But this multitude that knows not the law are accursed.” – John 7:49
We may feel superior to others because of knowledge - without saying so. Our pride may be subtle. It is always relentless.
Jesus said, “…for I am meek and lowly in heart…” (Matt. 11:29). Meekness is strength under control, lowly in heart is humble. This is the basis
upon which Jesus invites us all to come to him - and he promises we will find rest to our souls . Reflecting on his words, we see the opposite -
the restlessness of pride. It is a slavery that must always labor to appear of self-sufficient.
Jesus humbled himself to the shameful death of the cross so that we might surrender our pride and receive his life .
To receive the birth from Above is to begin to be humble like Jesus.
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“Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures ”- excludes all boasting. Those who eat the flesh and drink the blood of Jesus confess that they
do not have life in themselves. All pride must be surrendered - to eat and drink the life of another . Believers are called to this supper week by
week. Jesus lived and died and is alive forevermore to share his life with all who will surrender to receive it. It is not too late for anyone to come.
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Isaiah's words promise that the high and lofty One dwells with him that is of a contrite and humble spirit. To be contrite is to have sorrow
toward God. It is this sorrow toward God (2 Corinthians 7:10) that leads us to repentance – that repeated surrender of our pride and will to him.
These surrenders change us from glory to glory, and develop assurance of a future in his presence. Taste and see that the Lord is good:
“ You shall have no other gods beyond Me.” – Exodus 20:3;
“See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand.”
Deuteronomy 32:39;
“The lord Jehovah has given me the tongue of them that are taught, that I may know how to sustain with words him that is weary;” – Isaiah 50:4a;
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you, that you shall be no priest to me;” – Hosea 4:6a;
“Yet even now says Jehovah, turn you unto me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
and rend your hearts and not your garments, and turn unto Jehovah your God.” – Joel 2 :12-13a;
“The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong.” -Psalm 5:5;
“I have set Jehovah always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” – Psalm 16:8;
“Jehovah is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? Jehovah is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” – Psalm 27:1;
“For his anger is but for a moment; his favor is for a lifetime: weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes in the morning.” – Psalm 30:5.
Jesus humbled himself to bear our shame upon the cross. May we repeatedly empty out our life - to receive his.
“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” - James 4:6