Humility

The Least in the Kingdom? Part 1

The Least in the Kingdom? Part 1 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. Luke 7:28 Jesus clearly states that the only one who surpasses John the Baptist is he that is the least in God’s kingdom. What an oxymoron? He that is least in God’s kingdom is greater than John whom we just concluded is the Greatest of All Time Prophet. How can the least be greater? Just as we have observed in previous teachings, God doesn’t look as men see or judge as men judge. In Christ’s estimation, the humbler, the greater. The least in God’s kingdom of grace (divine love reaching down to save men) is greater than the greatest in the world of the law (human endeavor to reach out to God). But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 (KJV) Both Pride and Humility are only found in the heart and thats where God sets His eyes on. He who must be the head must be he who serves. Jesus told them, “In this world the kings and great men order their slaves around, and the slaves have no choice but to like it! But among you, the one who serves you best will be your leader. Luke 22:25-26 (Living Bible) The least, the servant or the humble in Christ’s estimation is the greatest. That’s the leader. That’s the Boss. We must become servant leaders if we must gain Christ’s affirmation and promotion. Beloved, to be better or greater than John, we must humble ourselves and pursue the least position. This is what pleases God. Drop all your trophies at His feet, lay low all your titles and achievements and in your patience according to Luke 21:19, possess your soul. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:4 (KJV) Whoever exalts himself [with haughtiness and empty pride] shall be humbled (brought low), and whoever humbles himself [whoever has a modest opinion of himself and behaves accordingly] shall be raised to honor. Matthew 23:12 (Amp) Please have a modest opinion of yourself so God can raise you to honor. Irrespective of how men perceive you, God’s estimation is what matters most. May God help us to humble ourselves.

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Among Those Born of Women

Among Those Born of Women What a phrase! This is so heavy. For who is it that wasn’t born of a woman. Obviously, I wouldn’t presume that this included The Master Himself. He was NOT born of a woman but of a virgin girl and the Heavenly Father, right? Since we are all born of women Jesus captured all human life in that phrase. All prophets were born of Women, so in essence Jesus left no major or minor prophets out. John the Baptizer was the G.O.A.T. – The Greatest Of All Time Prophet. For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: ……. Luke 7:28 (KJV) One of the most distinguishing feature in John was his character. John was a true servant of God who sought God’s glory and not his own. He spoke of Jesus with such humility and respect. John 1:27 KJVHe it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose. Wow! John was so humble he didn’t want any glory to himself. The scriptures said he confessed and denied not that He was not Christ, he was not that prophet, he was not Elijah. See John 1 verse 20 and following. All men have pride deeply rooted in them. All men desire the accolades, honour and attention but not John. He just wanted Jesus glorified. I have heard of preachers who angrily leave the pulpit or just wouldn’t preach because they were not properly applauded or called with their complete titles. I wonder where we learnt all that from. Some others will talk to the Holy Spirit as though He was their servant. “Spirit move now to the right”, they will proudly announce. Lord have mercy on us all. John indeed was the most humble of men who should have been the proudest. He promoted Christ and His ministry and even encouraged his followers to go after Jesus. Ministers, can we repent of all attempts to (knowingly or by mistake) act like the bride is ours? The Church (people we are privileged to lead) is not ours. The Bride belongs to the Bridegroom. We are just friends of the Groom. Kindly read what Prophet John said below meditatively and be blessed as we humble ourselves. John 3:28-29 (KJV) Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. The Message Version brings it home so well. Beloved, we as ministers are just His Bestman and we should be content with that privilege. This was what set John apart. You yourselves were there when I made it public that I was not the Messiah but simply the one sent ahead of him to get things ready. The one who gets the bride is, by definition, the bridegroom. And the bridegroom’s friend, his ‘best man’–that’s me–in place at his side where he can hear every word, is genuinely happy. How could he be jealous when he knows that the wedding is finished and the marriage is off to a good start? “That’s why my cup is running over. John 3:28-29 MSG

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