Essays
A Lowering Call
A LOWERING CALL
The humility witnessed in the birth and (willful) crucifixion of Jesus was not the exception but the rule of His life. Jesus’ entire ministry was that of a “suffering servant” (Isa.53:3). What is striking is not just that Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Lk.19:10),
but the manner in which He did so - - “I am among you as one who serves” (Lk.22:27). While the life of Jesus (as an offering for us)
was a “hapax” - - a once-for-all-time undertaking (Heb.10:14), such cannot be said of the lifestyle of Jesus. The way He lived was not to be unique to Him. The manner in which Jesus lived was designed to be an example that we should follow in His steps (1Pet.2:21).
As followers of Christ, His lifestyle becomes our model and pattern - - have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus (Philp.2:5). The apostle John is quite explicit about this matter: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked (1Jn.2:6). Thus, the “upward call” (Philp.3:14) is a “lowering call” (Mt.20:26) demanding humility on our part.
In the Body of Christ there is absolutely no place for high-mindedness (Rom.12:3). How many times has our lack of humility worked to alienate others and besmirch the church? Not a few have been turned off by our arrogance, which convinces them that “we think we are better than everybody else”. Shame on us. As James admonished: these things ought not to be this way (Js.3:10). Jesus overheard His disciples talking one day as they walked together. He questioned them, ‘what were you discussing on the way?’. But they kept silent, for on the way they were discussing with one another which one of them was the greatest. And sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, ‘IF ANYONE WISHES TO BE FIRST, HE SHALL BE LAST OF ALL AND SERVANT OF ALL’ (Mk.9:33-35). That life-altering piece of instruction was something the disciples needed badly back then, and it remains a word of exhortation that we need badly today. Truth never changes: God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble (Js.4:6).
Terry Siverd / Cortland Church of Christ
