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 When I was young I had a difficult time learning, and even in high school there were classes I disliked because some concepts were hard to comprehend. I was determined to learn more beyond high school so enrolled in Junior College. Even then I had the freshman jitters, I was intimidated: I didn't know how to study and get good grades. I was kindly humbled when I failed an exam in my first quarter, and I reassessed my study habits. Four years later I graduated from college.
I've been studying the life of Moses for several months now. His story is found in the Old Testament books of Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It takes a while to ponder his life due to the length of these books. Moses' life took several turns, from the life of luxury in the palaces of Egypt, to life on the outer edges of the desert for forty years
When Moses was 80 years of age, God called him from the land of Midian where he fled after killing an Egyptian. God got his attention by revealing himself in a burning, but not burned out bush. He called him back to Egypt, to his people, and to lead them to Canaan over the next 40 years. Whether it was the thirst-quenching water pouring from the rock-or the manna mercifully covering the ground each morning, at the end of each day he was discovering great things about God. This intimacy with God was slowly turning into humility and he dearly desired talks with God in the Tent of Meeting.
In Exodus 33 and 34, Moses asked God to show him his glory. God said to come the next morning to Mount Sinai, and he put Moses in the cleft of the rock and showed him his back, but not his face. Moses stayed forty days without food or water, enjoying daily intimacy, and when he came down to the people his face was radiant. He was imbued with humility but not aware of it. Moses learned humility by walking with God, leaning totally on Him.
In the 12th chapter of Numbers, Moses' older sister, Miriam, and his brother Aaron were talking about him behind his back. God, listening intently to their conversation, called the three to the Tent of Meeting. Talking sternly with Miriam and Aaron, God said that Moses was the humblest man on earth at the time, and he could speak with him one-on-one, directly and clearly. The Israelites, who likely numbered almost 2 million people, needed a leader who exhibited godly humility. So it is with the church in today's world.
We learn humility when daily we seek audience with God, relying on his loving provision. We will not be cognizant of our humility. When we grow in intimacy, we may be challenged, but God knows our inner heart, and that is enough. Others may think of us as meek, because the meek inherit the earth. Trust God, and that is enough.
A Fellow Servant,
Gary Kallio
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