Humility Before the Lord

 In Mark 9:30-37, Jesus explains to the disciples that he will be killed and rise again. The disciples were confused and struggled with this idea. While they traveled, they argued about which one of them was the greatest. Jesus took the opportunity to explain that humility is key to being in good standing with him. He also welcomed a child into the discussion, demonstrating the value of humility and service to others. He said that if we can accept others as he accepted the child, we will deepen our relationship with him.

How many times have you felt just like the disciples? They were completely confused about what Jesus was going to do and what he wanted from them. How many times have you asked the Lord what he wanted from you? How often have you simply asked the Lord, “Why?” I have found that the confusion we experience is usually related to not accepting the will of God. Have you ever known you were being called to do something but chose to do your own thing instead? Sometimes, the will of God involves something we have been avoiding or delaying, or perhaps something we simply don’t want to accept—much like the disciples. When you resist what the Lord wants for you, it leads to unnecessary frustration. That’s why our faith calls us to surrender. We are called to trust and have faith that the Lord will get us to the other side. Have you been able to surrender to the will of God? Or have you either ignored it or been too prideful to accept something you do not want? The Lord wants us to remain humble and places a strong emphasis on serving others. Can you humble yourself if the will of God calls you to?

When Jesus spoke to the disciples, he brought a child into the room and embraced him. He said to the disciples that we are to do the same. Just as he embraced the child, we are called to embrace him. The two are the same; we are children in the eyes of the Lord. We are called to look up to him and allow the Lord’s embrace to protect and shelter us. However, there is a requirement for that to happen: we must humbly accept that the will of God is what is most important. We have to let go of our desires and accept what the Lord wants for us. Just as the disciples had to accept Jesus’s sacrifice, we too must accept what God wants for us. Whether it’s an untimely death, financial loss, or sickness, the will of God is perfect and what we are called to surrender to. In embracing God's will, we find true peace and purpose in our lives.