FISH Sandwiches

Everyone aspires to greatness, or at least admires it in others.  But it’s one of those things that’s hard to define.

Whenever I’ve heard people talk of a ‘great man (or woman) of God’, I’ve always imagined someone who was a great evangelist, who prayed a lot, had a great prophetic ministry or was an anointed preacher, healer or miracle worker – or all of the above.  But the Bible doesn’t point to any of these qualities as a mark of a great person.  Instead, it says:

‘Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’ (Mt 18:4, NIV).

It seems to me to be very ironic that the people who have the most to boast about are the very people who wouldn’t boast.  I suppose that’s just God’s way.

And actually, being humble and having nothing to boast about is quite liberating – it means not having to justify yourself, or protect a reputation, or worry about losing whatever it is that makes you ‘great’.

Jesus said:

‘Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.’  (Matt 11:29, NIV)

In offering rest, Jesus invites us to take up his yoke, and to learn from him – because there’s something about his gentle nature, his humility of heart, that provides rest for the soul.  Jesus didn’t need to strive for greatness, or to prove it to others, so neither should we.

It’s a long journey to greatness, and we’ll need rest along the way.  Humility is key to both.

– Joey