Above Rubies Daily Encouragement Blogs
GOD CHOOSES HUMBLE PLACES AND HUMBLE PEOPLE
Nazareth was also a humble place. Nazareth means “separated or branch, possibly prophetic of Jesus.” Being warned by God in a dream, Joseph and Mary fled with baby Jesus to Egypt. After Herod died, they returned to Nazareth to live.
Mary was in Nazareth when the angel, Gabriel first announced to her that she was chosen to be the mother of Jesus the Christ (Luke 1:26). Joseph’s carpentry business was in Nazareth.
John 1:45, 46 tells us: “Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.” God delights to bring the very best out of the things that men regard as insignificant.
1 Corinthians 1:25-29 says: “The foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are: that no flesh should glory in His presence.”
Simeon, an old man and obviously a humble man, being led by the Holy Spirit was told by God he would not see death before he saw the Christ (Luke 2:25-32). Why was this privilege not given to others? Could humility be the answer?
Anna, a prophetess and widow for 80 years lived at the temple serving God “with fastings and prayers night and day” (Luke 2:36-38). She also arrived on the scene just at the right moment and “gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.”
I amazed me how few were privileged to behold his first coming. How many will be chosen to behold His second coming?
May God grant to us all a revival of the true humility of Christ.
Be encouraged.
Colin Campbell
