The Arrogant and the Humble

Prayer-Soldier · Posted: Sat Oct 26, 2013 11:40 pm Post subject: The Arrogant and the Humble

The Arrogant and the Humble

Scripture:

And look not upon an unjust sacrifice, for the Lord is judge, and there is not with him respect of person. The Lord will not accept any person against a poor man, and he will hear the prayer of him that is wronged. He will not despise the prayers of the fatherless; nor the widow, when she pours out her complaint.

He that adores God with joy, shall be accepted, and his prayer shall approach even to the clouds. The prayer of him that humbles himself, shall pierce the clouds: and till it come nigh he will not be comforted: and he will not depart till the most High behold. (Sirach 35:15-17, 20-21)

For I am even now ready to be sacrificed: and the time of my dissolution is at hand. I have fought a good fight: I have finished my course: I have kept the faith. As to the rest, there is laid up for me a crown of justice which the Lord the just judge will render to me in that day: and not only to me, but to them also that love his coming. Make haste to come to me quickly.

At my first answer, no man stood with me: but all forsook me. May it not be laid to their charge! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, that by me the preaching may be accomplished and that all the Gentiles may hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. The Lord has delivered me from every evil work and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom. To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. ( 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 )

And to some who trusted in themselves as just and despised others, he spoke also this parable: Two men went up into the temple to pray: the one a Pharisee and the other a publican. The Pharisee standing, prayed thus with himself: O God, I give you thanks that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, as also is this publican. I fast twice in a week: I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not so much as lift up his eyes towards heaven; but struck his breast, saying: O God, be merciful to me a sinner. I say to you, this man went down into his house justified rather than the other: because every one that exalts himself shall be humbled: and he that humbles himself shall be exalted. (Luke 18:9-14)

Reflection:

In this world, the rich and politically powerful have the freewill as to how they shall wield their power. They may choose the path of selfishness or selflessness. Those who have chosen selfishness never come to a good end. While they may appear to be in control for a time, they must always look over their shoulder because of the ill will they sow. What is gained may be lost in the turn of fortunes, but regardless of the outcomes of what is allowed in this time, a time of judgment will come to all for what they have done and what they have failed to do. He will set right what people have set wrong. While He forgives the contrite for their sins, He will hold to account those who march on the backs of the poor and defenseless.

Happy are those who pray for Him to guide them and lead them through the blessing of His Word. He will not deny the one who asks for discernment, for He will send the Holy Spirit to fill their hearts. The Holy Spirit will lead them to share in peace and love.

He sees those who face persecution in His name. Though they must face injustice in this world, their sacrifice will not go unnoticed. What is set wrong in the world, He will set right in His kingdom. Blessed are those who stay the course of His Word and serve others with love and charity. It matters not what we suffer in this short time because of our faith in Him, for His hand of justice will reward us for the eternity to come. He will embrace those who seek His embrace and He will deliver the oppressed from every injustice.

The faithful who pray to Him will receive the courage of heart which may come only from Him. Those who pray for strength will receive the power of the Holy Spirit to stand strong in the face of the oppression of immorality. The evil one will seek to silence the faithful, for if the faithful are silenced, then, all the children of His creation may be separated from their Creator. Faith is not demonstrated by silence, but by what is shared and what is lived. The faithful, through their courage of heart, will speak and live His Word. As others hear and see what is lived, many souls will be snatched from the clutches of evil.

While He calls the children of His creation to approach the world with the courage of faith, He calls them away from arrogance, for arrogance blinds many to the truth of His Word. The arrogant are tempted to feel superiority over others. The arrogant fail to understand that all are His children and He hears the prayers of all. He hears the cry of the poor and the oppressed. He blesses the humble and those who seek to reverse the course of their faults.

The arrogant are tempted to judge, though He has cautioned His children against judging one another lest they too shall be judged. Arrogance tempts one to believe they may impose their will upon another. Where the arrogant tread, conflict is sure to follow as they fight amongst themselves and posture for the power which will eventually lead to the path of oppression. Conflicts among people and wars of the land are born of arrogance which closes the ears to communication and minds to understanding of His Word. When the will of people pursues selfishness and desires of power, all within its wake will suffer.

The arrogant are stiff necked and the day will come where He will hold them to account. He will hold before them wherever they have caused pain and misery. He will withdraw from them their ill gotten gains. He will bring the arrogant to their knees.

The humble are contrite for their faults and cry out for His mercy. Despite their sins, His heart will be soft for those who see their wrongs and pray for forgiveness. The humble leader does not revel in their talents, but what may be done of their talents for the blessings of others. The servant leader does not take from one to give to another, but gives of themselves as an example to all to care for one another. Through prayer, the humble are led to fulfill the greatest of commandments; to love Him and one another.

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier