The call of God to faith in Christ Jesus is a call to the deepest humility. We are always seeking to make our name for ourselves. We don’t want God to tell us who we are or what we are to do. We think that it is our duty and right to aspire to greatness in this world, to climb to the top, to make our names remembered for generations to come. And even God’s children often think that this is what their Father demands of them. “Be great. Grow wealthy. Achieve fame. These will gain you My favor and blessing.” But this is completely contrary to the ways and will of God. The Lord Jesus, the Son of the Most High God, sought none of those things. He often preached against them because they are the fruits of pride and selfish ambition. Instead, Jesus humbled Himself. Though rightly enthroned in heaven, He sought the lowest place among men, serving them by dying under their unrighteous and wicked wrath and devotion to power and prestige so that He could save us. By taking His seat on the cross He has bestowed upon us a seat at the banquet table of Holy Communion. By robing Himself in our sin, He has clothed us with righteousness. By being numbered with the transgressors, He opened the way for you to be numbered among the saints. Greatness belongs alone to God. To seek it is to seek to rob Him. Instead, let us humble ourselves by confessing our own unworthiness and seeking His great mercy. To such, the Lord says “Dear friend, move up higher and receive the kingdom which I have prepared for you.” I look forward to seeing all of you this coming Lord’s Day.
Pastor Ulmer