Isaiah 57:15 For this is what the high and lofty One says—
he who lives for ever, whose name is holy:
“I live in a high and holy place,
but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly
and to revive the heart of the contrite.”

Here we have the Creator declaring one of the greatest miracles of all Creation, one that foreshadowed and today echoes the advent of Jesus Christ. Why would the infinite Creator choose to “dwell with” the lowliest of His creation? The answer is found very simply in the character of God. Only God who is Love would choose to do this. (1 John 4:8-10) However, it is important to recognize that God did not say He would dwell with those of superior intellect or magnificent physique or abundant resources. On the contrary, He chose those who are broken. No human dreams of grandeur can compare with the reality of Immanuel, God with us, but the devil has all too easy a time of playing with our pride to conceal that truth from us. In the kingdom of God (which is the ultimate reality) the way up is indeed the way down. Jesus addressed this issue, saying something that was probably shocking to His disciples: “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28) Jesus set the example, and we can certainly do no better than to follow Him.

This is something that thankfully my parents modeled for me, though I haven’t always followed it myself. I can remember my father being called on to fix another missionary’s washing machine, because it was an American appliance and Japanese repairmen were afraid to tackle it, when he was a University Chancellor. No task is too low for someone who is in Christ, because He even washed His disciples’ feet. I have encountered “bigwigs” of all sorts over the years, and they have been all over the place on this issue. I must never think I am “too good” for anything, but at the same time I must walk in full assurance of what God has done and will do in and through me. If I am low enough, He will certainly be great enough to accomplish whatever He desires, even using me.

Father, I desire to be a comfortable residence for You, neither grieving (Ephesians 4:30) nor quenching (1 Thessalonians 5:19) Your Spirit. May I so rest in You that You may rest in me, establishing Your kingdom in and through me, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!