the nature of humility

I spent a good part of today walking nature paths and riding 75 miles for a promised 'best burger ever 'through some of the best twisty roads there are in northern Minnesota.  The burger was good but not best ever.  The nature scenes, however, were stunning.  In the book of Job, Job finally gets his audience with God following several theological discussion with his 'friends.'  God's response is not something we expect God to say to a man who wants an account for the suffering he has experienced.

Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind:

“Who is this that questions my wisdom
    with such ignorant words?
Brace yourself like a man,
    because I have some questions for you,
    and you must answer them.

“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?
    Tell me, if you know so much.
Who determined its dimensions
    and stretched out the surveying line?
What supports its foundations,
    and who laid its cornerstone
as the morning stars sang together
    and all the angels shouted for joy?

“Who kept the sea inside its boundaries
    as it burst from the womb,
and as I clothed it with clouds
    and wrapped it in thick darkness?
For I locked it behind barred gates,
    limiting its shores.
I said, ‘This far and no farther will you come.
    Here your proud waves must stop!’ -Job 38:1-11

So that is the nature of humility, to see the enormity of God's creation brings us to an awareness of how very small we are in the grand scheme of the universe.  This is not to say we are insignificant, it is to say we are humbled by God's creation.  In the book of Job, wisdom begins with humility.

Marva Dawn reflected on the accomplishments of Christ in pastoral ministry. "God's perfect purposes and impeccable intentions are not thwarted.  Why do we ever think we are necessary for that?  How is it that we think we are essential for whatever needs to happen in our congregations?  Why are we afraid to take a Sabbath day because our churches need us so badly?  The world got along fine without us before we arrived.  Ephesians 1:11(Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.) sets us free again to revel in all that God is and does." (The Unnecessary Pastor pg. 56)

In other words, Marva Dawn is inviting us to explore the idea that paying attention to what God is doing among our congregations and us is a pure gift of God.  Sometimes this translates when people tell us 'great sermon, pastor.'  Our best response is to thank God, for it is at best God's words being used by us.  Or when I compliment Deacon Marcia for any part of her amazing ministry, she normally points up (thanking God).

Wandering around Lake Superior or seeing the small coast of such a vast body of water from the hill descending home truly humbled me today, and that is the beginning of wisdom.  

Let us pray: Triune God, creator, redeemer, and advocate, send us forth from your Word overawed with the immensity of your grace and eager to respond - to the praise of your glory. Amen!