A Supreme and Humble God

We are reminded every day of the reality of power and influence in our society. Whether it is elected officials or wealthy investors, someone always appears to be in charge. It doesn’t matter if you call it democracy or monarchy, someone is always in charge. That someone is God.

It doesn’t require more than a few minutes observing the news coverage to realize there is a difference between political power and God. Politicians and wealthy investors spend their days securing privilege for themselves. God spent His days on earth offering Himself to us.

At that time, Jesus lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, “As you, Father, did send me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth. “I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory which you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to behold my glory which you have given me in your love for me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world has not known you, but I have known you; and these know that you have sent me. I made known to them your name, and I will make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

John 17.18-26

In a matter of three years, less than any single term US President, Jesus Christ changed what the world understood about God. For generations the world, pagan and non-pagan, believed God to be ruthless and demanding. Jesus Christ revealed Himself to be humble and loving.

Shortly before His death on the Cross Jesus prayed, “For their sake I consecrate myself.” What world leader has ever offered Himself as a sacrifice for his people? What world leader has ever been willing to set aside His supreme power and die for His people? Only God.

On Sunday we will celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit into the Church. We will sing, “Who is so great a god as our God, Who alone? You alone are the God Who does wonders.” This hymn is sung to remind the world that our God is supreme. His death reminds us He is humble.

The next time you are faced with the dilemma of choosing God’s way or the world’s way, I invite you remember the world uses power to crush and oppress. God uses power to consecrate and save. I don’t know about you, but I think supreme and humble deserves my loyalty.