“For so says the High and Lofty One (God) Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a 1CONTRITE and HUMBLE spirit, To REVIVE the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” (Isa. 57:15) 1dakkâ’: “the moving back and forth in a cup”. Seeds are placed in a stone cup, a stone pestle is moved around the cup to CRUSH THE SEEDS INTO A POWDER. This way our heart can be FORMED and SHAPED by God, so we will be enabled to do what He has called us to…
Just why is our humility is so important to God? We know that Jesus died for our sins and faults. This was done to restore our relationship with God. But there’s an important step we must still take to have access to the mercy and grace that His death affords us. That step is to practice humility. “God gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God 2OPPOSES the proud but GIVES GRACE to the humble.” (Jam. 4:6) 2antitassomai: to range in battle against. Pride is an enemy of God! Therefore God will go to battle against a proud spirit. Remember Satan’s LIE to Eve, “…your eyes will be opened, and you will be LIKE GOD…” (Gen. 3:5) You will be just as God is!!! No one can ever be like God! “…this is eternal life: that they know you, THE ONLY TRUE GOD, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (John 17:3) As a result of Eve believing that lie, she and Adam were escorted out of the garden and out of eternal life, because God opposes the proud!!!
As a result, “…the world is passing away along with its lusts: but he that does the will of God 3ABIDES FOREVER.” (1 John 2:15-17) 3menō: to continue to be present. We will continue to be present with the Lord forever…
-Bill Stockham