resting_place4God

Becoming a Resting Place for God, by Randall D. Kittle

The King of kings was not born in a palace fine and elegant, but in a stable. In Biblical times, the stable was a most offensive place. The floor was composed of compacted dung giving off a foul smell that would offend the senses of even the least sensitive. Most people would not even enter a stable, let alone search there for the newborn King.

This is the power of paradox found in the incarnation — the greatest gift of all time came in such a plain and simple package. A package easily overlooked and rejected by men.

We would do well to mark this point, for the Lord has not stopped using such humble places to make His appearances. Christ is still born in stables. He comes to make His home in the low and common places of humble lives, not in the mansions and palaces of self-made men, for His very character is that of humility.

I Am
The Bible is full of descriptions of Jesus, but there is only one place in Scripture where Jesus clearly describes Himself, and that is in Matthew 11:28–30, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you shall find rest for your souls, for My yoke is easy, and My load is light.” Jesus could have described Himself in a lot of different ways. He could have said, “I am holy” or “I am eternal” or “I am all-knowing and all-powerful,” but in this one place in Scripture where Jesus chooses to describe himself, He describes Himself with two words: “gentle” and “humble.” Jesus didn’t say, “Come and follow Me, for I am dynamic and full of self-esteem,” He said, “Come to Me … for I am gentle and humble in heart.”

If the Lord’s defining characteristic is humility, it is no wonder His Word tells us repeatedly that He resists the proud but draws near to the humble. When we practice humility, our lives reflect His character. In addition, humility draws the Lord’s attention and His presence. God cannot resist the fragrance of humility. This should be more than enough to motivate our hearts to pursue it.

Yet, according to the Bible, the Lord has so much more stored up for those who will choose to walk in humility. Look at what God promises to the humble. The Bible promises that God will save the humble … esteem the humble … guide the humble … sustain the humble … give grace to the humble … and crown the humble with salvation. Humility keeps both the face of God and the favor of God focused upon our lives. No wonder the Bible instructs us, “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility …” (1 Peter 5:5). God expects all believers to put on humility, because He wants to be for us in every way and against us in nothing. When our hearts are clothed in garments of humility, knowing it is God and not us who makes a difference, the world will begin to see the Lord in our lives.

Even more, our lives can become a resting place for the Living God. Where is the place the Living God is looking to rest? He tells us in Isaiah 66:1–2, “And where is a place that I may rest? But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.” Just as the baby Jesus rested His head in a lowly manger 2,000 years ago, the Lord still seeks out those who are humble, for in them His holy power can abide in perfect peace. God is looking for those who choose to make humility more than an ideal they embrace or a doctrine they espouse, but the character they possess and practice in their daily lives. In return, their lives will become a holy place where God Himself will rest!