O Gracious and mighty God, we your faithful children are here again to worship and praise you. It is so good to sing your praises, even if some of us are off key. We are so grateful that we are here again to keep the Sabbath holy, unlike those sinners who slept in or are out on the golf course!
What’s that, Lord? Oh, no, I didn’t mean to judge anyone else. I know you don’t want us to do that. But you did tell us not to hide our lamp under a bushel, remember? You said we are the light of the world. That seems like something we should be pretty proud of. Yes, I remember the story Jesus told about the bragging Pharisee who was glad he was not like the tax collector sitting next to him.
Yes, we know that verse from Micah that says we should walk humbly with you, but that’s hard to do. Our society doesn’t reward the introvert or the wall flower. We want leaders in business and government who are courageous and daring. But in your kingdom we get a much different message that your followers are to be humble servants! Jesus even taught that the meek shall inherit the earth!
We don’t see much evidence of that happening anytime soon! But all around us, Holy One, we see life experiences that teach us humility if we take the time to notice. When we see a breathtaking sunset or gaze into the vastness of the universe we realize how small we are in a cosmic perspective. When we’re sick and dependent on others to care for us, we are humbled. Or when we are greeted by the unconditional love of a beloved pet, or when we hold a newborn infant in our arms and feel the miracle of a new life right there in our hands – there are no words to express the awe and wonder we experience.
And, oh, when we honestly reflect up our own lives – all the times we have failed to live up to our own expectations, let alone yours, we are brought to our knees in total humility. And from there, with truly humble hearts we are ready to give thanks for your amazing grace and for the gift of your beloved son, Jesus, who lived the life of a humble servant and calls us to do the same. In his name we offer our hearts and prayers as we join our voices in the prayer he taught us to pray…
Northwest United Methodist Church, Columbus, Ohio, September 22, 2024
Peacefully Harsh 