​Day 266 – September 23, 2021

​Day 266 – September 23, 2021
Scriptures; Psalms 107, Jonah 1, Philippians 2
 
“Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.” (Psalm 107:43, NIV) 
“But he lifted the needy out of their affliction and increased their families like flocks.” (Psalm 107:41, NIV) 
 
Philippians 2 is a celebratory hymn of the humility, humanity, divinity, and sovereignty of Christ. God lifts the humbled Jesus! This celebration becomes for Paul, the call to the Philippians church to lift one another up by looking to the needs of others before their own.
 
God continually lifts those who find themselves in humble circumstances. That’s what is celebrated in Psalm 107. At the end of the Psalm, we are encouraged to “heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.” What is it that he does? “He lifted the needy out of their affliction…”
 
Today’s scripture reading includes yet another well-known story, Jonah. Jonah is fleeing God and his mission. Later we will find out that it is because he knows exactly the kind of God he is dealing with, one who is merciful and faithful. Jonah knows that if he goes to Nineveh, and the people humble themselves and repent, that God will save them. It turns out that Jonah doesn’t care for Ninevites!
 
The call of today’s text is quite clearly towards humility, kindness, and love in Christ. Taking on the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. We instead of look with condemnation towards our enemies, we offer compassion, grace, and mercy in the name of Christ. We humble ourselves of our pride and take the message of hope to those who need it most.
 
What a great encouragement today to remember that God lifts the humble, and cares for the afflicted. He did it for his son, and he promises to do the same for you and me.
 
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
 
Jordan