GOD’S MIGHTY UPLIFTING HAND (1)

“HUMBLE yourselves, therefore, under GOD’S MIGHTY HAND that he may LIFT YOU UP in due time” – 1 Peter 5:6,NIV

Humility is the key platform for experiencing GOD’S UPLIFTING HAND: “HUMBLE yourselves, therefore, under GOD’S MIGHTY HAND that he may LIFT YOU UP in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1Pet.5: 6-7, NIV). The apostle Peter exhorted Believers to be humble under the Mighty HAND of GOD in order to be exalted, lifted, or promoted in due time; and also, to cast their anxiety or care upon Him, seeing He cared for them (vv.6-7). Preceding the injunctions to be humble were few introductory thoughts.

Peter exhorted the presbyters – pastors or elders called and ordained to teach and lead God’s People, describing himself as a fellow elder, an eyewitness of Christ’s sufferings, and a partaker of His Glory (v.1). He urged them to feed the flock of God, taking the charge and oversight of them, freely, readily, and willingly, not through force, covetousness, or as tyrants, but by humble, exemplary living (vv.2-3). Their glorious reward for faithful work would come at Christ’s final appearing as the Chief Shepherd of the church, and they would receive unfading crown of glory (v.4). The Believers were then exhorted to submit to the leadership of their pastors, according to God’s Word; and to be subject to one another. They were to be clothed with humility, since God resists the proud, but gives more grace to the humble (v.5).

New Believers in the church – “young people” – were admonished to submit to the leadership and example of the Elders as these rightfully exercised God-given authority and responsibilities. They were also called to be submissive one to another. That is, they were to live humbly; not always promoting their own glory, accomplishments or skills; not always trying to have their own way; not sulking or complaining when things went contrary to their expectation. Instead, they were to wear humility like their clothing. He reminded them of God’s attitude toward the proud and the humble, referring to Proverbs 3:34: “Surely He scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6 quotes the same verse: “But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

God resists, opposes, and looks with anger upon the proud. His blessing of Grace is upon the humble; those who submit to His ways and authority. But humility doesn’t come easily. The fallen human nature tends to put itself first. It puts its own convenience, comfort and peace above the needs of others. It also tends to take for itself what is God’s, directing what should be God’s glory toward the creature rather than the Creator. Basically, unredeemed souls want to do what they want, even if God says otherwise. In contrast, Humility puts God first and honours Him above all else. The humble obeys God’s commandments and instructions, giving Him all the Glory for all that is good.

God’s promise is to exalt the humble. Such lifting doesn’t come by a person’s own aggressive behavior to seek and to seize blessings for himself or herself. It is a gift of God in response to obedience from a heart that has been redeemed by grace alone. No one can find true peace, joy, security, and satisfaction in life unless as a reward of Grace from God as He blesses the obedience of a redeemed heart. This is accomplished by casting all our care – hope and concerns – upon Him because He cares for us (v.7). Uplifting is never by carnal self-effort! We are to lay aside our own glory and personal wants for Christ’s Glory and desires, and do the same regarding the needs of others.

The humble bow before God and consider Him worthy of their obedience, devotion and service. They steal nothing from Him. All He calls them to do they do; and HIS UPLIFTING HAND perfects, establishes, strengthens, and settles them (v.10). Finally, Peter ascribed glory and dominion for ever to the God of Grace. There is no other proper response than to worship, praise, honour, and glorify Him (v.11).