A Universal Principle: God Humbles and Exalts

Let me wish all who happen to be following today a happy (i.e. blessed) New Year!  Today's post is a prediction as to something God will be doing this year, a prediction that will come to pass! I know!!

We have often referred to what we call “universal principles.”  These are truths that are frequently referred to in Scripture.  God works in many ways, often in ways we do not understand.  But there are some things He always does. Always.  One of those principles is, God exalts the humble and humbles the exalted.  The following list is not exhaustive but it will emphasize the point that God will always do this.  Some are references without comment or quote.  We encourage you to meditate on all.
·        1 Samuel 2:1-10 (Hannah’s words).
·        Ps. 75:10.
·        Ps. 138, esp. v6.
·        Prov. 3:34 (quoted in James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5): Surely He scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble.
·        Prov. 15:33: before honor is humility.
·        Prov. 29:23: A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor. (Note: the principle is prominent in the book of Wisdom, Proverbs.  Wise people understand this truth and live by it.)
·        Isa 40:4.
·        Isa. 57:15: For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
·        Dan. 4:37: (Nebuchadnezzar speaking) “And those who walk in pride He is able to put down.”
·        Mt. 23:12.
·        Mt. 10:42-45: greatness is the result of serving.
·        Luke 1:51-52. (Mary)
·        Lk. 14:11: For whoever exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
·        Lk. 18:14: (after parable of 2 men praying) … Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
·        Phil. 2:5-11: even death on a cross is immediately followed by “wherefore God has highly exalted Him.”
·        Jas. 4:10: Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up. (1 Pt. 5:6 makes an identical statement.)

Here is a fascinating thought: lifted up is same word, used of Jesus’ crucifixion (John 3:14; 8:28; 12:34; 19:18).  Remember Ac 5:30-31: you hung Him on a tree, but Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior. The ultimate humiliation (lifted up in scorn by sin) resulted in the ultimate in exaltation.  This year may we seek to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering that we might be made conformable to His death that we in turn might attain to a better resurrection (Phil. 3:7-11).