Matthew 26:22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?”

It strikes me that by this time, the disciples had been with Jesus long enough to know two things: that anything He said was true and was going to happen, and that they themselves were imperfect and capable of great failure. In other words, they were true disciples indeed. To me, this is an illustration of the reality that in God’s kingdom, the way up is down. This is a truth that actually is stated many times in the Old Testament as well, but Jesus emphasized several times, and it is mentioned in the letters in the New Testament too. That is, humility is the key to success. A famous illustration from the Old Testament is something God said to Solomon at the dedication of the temple: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14) The attitude of humbling yourself is essential to receiving God’s forgiveness and healing. I won’t even go into all the times Jesus said things along this line. Apparently Jesus’ message had penetrated, into most of the disciples at any rate, so they realized that they too were capable of betrayal. I have trouble really imagining what Judas was thinking when he asked, after several others had already done so. At the very least, he was operating in pride, not realizing that his plans were indeed betrayal, and not simply giving Jesus an opportunity to display His power. Our capacity for self-deception is incredible! This points to the clear reality that we have to consciously maintain our humility, or we will indeed, become proud of being humble. Many people make jokes about that, but it’s an all-too-real possibility.

I keep writing about how I have struggled with pride, because it’s been a very real and destructive part of my life. God has indeed blessed me with many abilities and has graciously used me in many ways, but the moment I take personal credit for those things, or feel that I “deserve” them, I negate their benefit to me. One of the many ways that God’s grace is amazing is that He gives it in the first place. I know that He is incredibly patient, because I would have given up on me long ago! I am sharply aware that I am capable of grievous, even unspeakable sin, and it is only by God’s grace that I have been kept from such things. I was talking with someone just the other day, and he mentioned that he had spent time in prison. That didn’t bother me at all, because I know that I’m fundamentally no better. I have had perhaps stronger guard rails in my life, but they weren’t of my making. The themes of my life need to be gratitude and obedience. Nothing less would be at all appropriate for the incredible volume and depth of grace that has been poured out on me.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for Your daily support and guidance. Thank You for all You enabled me to do yesterday, and for all that You have planned for today. I ask Your guidance and anointing for every detail of the interdenominational prayer meeting that will be here this morning, and for Your clear guidance and wisdom as we go through each other thing on our schedule. May Your will be done on Your schedule, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!