(Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth) Numbers 12:3.
In a parenthetical statement immediately following the opposition of Moses’ siblings, Scripture tells us that Moses was very humble and even more humble than anyone on earth. Wow!
This year I am reading through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Something I love about this practice are the phrases, stories, and expressions of God that rise afresh to the surface of my soul as I read God’s Word. I find myself struck by this significant phrase in the book of Numbers, enveloped in parenthesis. Moses’ life captures my mind and heart.
Moses was quite a man. I wonder about his humility. God described Moses as the most humble man on the face of the earth. Yet, Moses wasn’t born that way, so I began to ponder some of the factors that contributed to his humble formation.
Humility – A modest view of one’s importance. Meek, respectful, and unpretentious.
Although raised in royalty, Moses received early care from a humble Hebrew woman. Scripture described Moses as educated and powerful in speech and action (Acts 7:22). Nevertheless, at forty years old, in a prideful rage, he killed an Egyptian who mistreated an Israelite. Although Moses believed his behavior was unnoticed, upon realizing that his actions were known, he fled into the desert. He lived a modest life in the desert for forty years before encountering the voice of God through a burning bush (Exodus 3:2-15). For the next forty years Moses led the Hebrew people from slavery, rebellion, fear, and confusion to freedom, obedience, confidence, and peace.
Through brokenness and obscurity, God formed humility within the character of Moses. While living in the wilderness, away from his people (the Israelites), Moses experienced God’s care, developed an attentiveness to God, and recognized his desperate need to depend upon God. For a condensed exciting recount of Moses’ life, read Stephen’s speech in Acts 7:20-44.
Moses grew in humility, while living in anonymity. In the desert, he married, had two sons, and grew in the wisdom and direction of his father-in-law, Jethro. When God elevated Moses into a position of honor, recognition, and influence, he led with humility, revealing his dependance on God and respect of God as the ultimate leader.
Through God’s plan, Moses moves from self-rejection to self-awareness, God awareness, and surrender. The parenthetical statement in Numbers 12:3 carries the breadth and depth of Moses’ life. I wonder about my life. What about your life? Let’s ask: Is my life reflective of humility like Moses? How is God forming me into humility, like Jesus who described Himself as “gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29)?
Consider a few reflective questions with me…
- What have I done with my sin? Have I hid it, hoping no one will find out, like Moses? How have I responded when God exposed my sin through others? Am I willing to life in authenticity without hiding?
- In what ways do I receive God’s care to my wounds and brokenness? Am I reflective and receptive?
- How do I live in obscurity? Do I receive God’s grace to live inconspicuously as Moses did in the desert for forty years?
- What helps me attend to the voice of God? How do I position myself to listen for God’s nudges and whispers?
- In what ways do I live dependent upon God? How can I increase my reliance upon and trust in God’s activity in my life?
- Where am I in my journey from self-rejection to self awareness, God awareness, and surrender?
- How does my individual formation or lack thereof, impact others: my family, co-workers, friends, body of Christ?
Consider Jesus who humbled himself (Philippians 2:1-11) and wonder with God about the formation of His character within you.
A powerful and meaningful prayer I like to begin my day with invites me into humility: The Litany of Humility. Pray it with me and let God form you into His humble likeness.
O Jesus! Meek and humble of heart, hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being loved Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being extolled Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being honored Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being praised Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being preferred to others Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being consulted Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the desire of being approved Deliver me, O Jesus.From the fear of being humiliated Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being despised Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of suffering rebukes Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being falsely accused Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being forgotten Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being ridiculed Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being wronged Deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being suspected Deliver me, O Jesus.That others may be loved more than I; O Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I; O Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may increase and I may decrease; O Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be chosen and I set aside; O Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be praised and I unnoticed; O Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be preferred to me in everything; O Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may become holier than I; O Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.That I may become as holy as I should; O Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
(All Saints of Alaska Orthodox Church Prayer Book – In Accordance with the Tradition of the Eastern Orthodox Church (Kindle Locations 227-232). Saint Arseny Press. Kindle Edition.)
Following the example of Moses, may we each submit to God’s transforming presence and power in our lives. As we repent, may God redeem our sin and bring glory to Himself. May we live, respecting God and honoring Him in all we do, say, and think. May we grow in humility.
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.James 4:10 – Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Andrew Murray. Humility: The Fear of the Lord Is the Instruction of Wisdom, and Before Honor Is Humility, Proverbs 15:33. Springfield, MO. 2005.
Timothey Keller. The Freedom of Self Forgetfulness: The Path to True Christian Joy Grange, KY. 2012.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Aaron Williams – Live at The Worship Initiative. Abide. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA-Wi4fdcVE
Hillsong Worship. Unending Love. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Db-CF_rfZWs
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
February 21-March 5 – Australia with Gary, on behalf of GTP. Leading a women’s retreat Feb. 24.
March 8 – Breathe Retreat – Littleton, CO
March 18-April 5 Lviv, Ukraine – Teaching course, The Care of Souls, at Ukrainian Baptist Theological Seminary