HUMILITY BRINGS EXALTATION

 Psalm 112; Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16; Luke 14:1, 7-14

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, peace be unto you... 

Let me begin with a question: Have you ever met someone who thought too highly of themselves? Perhaps in your class, workplace, or even in church? How did it feel being around them? Now flip it: Have you met someone who was truly humble? How did they make you feel?

Jesus, in Luke 14, reminds us:

“All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

(Luke 14:11).

Society often views humility through the lens of weakness or modest achievement, but God’s Word flips this perception upside down. In Scripture, humility is not about low self-esteem but about depending on God and honouring others above ourselves. Philippians 2:3-4 urges Christians to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” While the world may celebrate the proud, braggart, and self-promoting, God delights in the humble heart. James 4:6 reminds us: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” What society may see as weakness, God declares as the foundation of true strength.

In fact, biblical humility is the key to exaltation. Jesus Himself demonstrated this: though equal with God, He humbled Himself, taking the form of a servant, and because of that, “God exalted Him to the highest place” (Philippians 2:9). Unlike society, which often rewards arrogance and overlooks humility, God promises to lift up the humble before Him (1 Peter 5:6). The contrast is clear: society admires humility only when convenient, but God treasures it as the very posture that unlocks His favour, grace, and eternal honour.

Last week, I shared with you how we sometimes uphold church traditions at the detriment of God's love. In Luke 14:1-4, we are told Jesus honoured the invitation of a prominent Pharisee for lunch. It was customary for such a Sabbath luncheon; it was used to highlight the week. Usually, many people are invited to such banquets, including visiting Rabbis or teachers. 

Jesus saw "a man suffering from abnormal swelling of his body," which is dropsy. This is one of the diseases which the Pharisees attributed to immoral or one's own sins. Again, they had loyalty to Sabbath rules over the man's healing, hence their quietness when Jesus asked, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?" Putting God's love over tradition is the path of humility.

Jesus observed at the luncheon that guests were taking seats at places of honour without regard for others. He used it to teach that greatness is not grabbing positions but allowing God to place you where you belong.

In Psalm 112, we are told that the righteous are remembered not because they forced their way up, but because they lived faithfully in the fear of the Lord.

My dear, as a Christian, do not chase titles, positions, or trends on social media just to feel important. Focus on your work, your integrity, and your service to God and humanity. Let your character announce you, not your ego.

Beloved in Christ, let me share some thoughts on how humility brings exaltation with you;

Humility Builds Relationships

Pride is a destroyer of relationships as it takes away one's compassion for the needs of others. The Pharisees maintained their silence since they had placed their pride over and above their relationship with the diseased man. 

In Luke 14:12-14, Jesus tells us to invite the poor, crippled, lame, and blind. Why? Because humility makes room for relationships that are not transactional. "Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Hebrews 13:2 urges us to show hospitality to strangers. Sometimes, we are welcoming angels without knowing.

Think of a time when you helped someone without expecting anything in return. How did it feel? If you have never done that, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into this beautiful, unending experience.

People of God, let us build friendships not on “what can I get” but on “how can I serve.” This attitude builds relationships to open doors of favour in unexpected places.

Taking the lowest seat at a gathering. Jesus is not talking about one's demonstration of an inferiority complex. Jesus is teaching a perspective that allows you to see the true worth of every other human being. "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment" (Romans 12:3)

It is humility that will allow you to see others in the image of God as you are, that you are just as beloved of God as I am. "Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering." (Hebrews 13:3)  Humility establishes relationships that create a network for greater heights, even in business, family life, groups, church life, etc.

Most often, people speak harshly to others because they only think of what they feel, but not what others feel. You hear a statement like "As for me, when I speak my mind, then I am ok, the rest is not my concern". And we react to people as we deem fit without a little care about the other person's emotions. This is wrong, the Bible says, "do not betray another’s confidence." (Proverbs 25:9)

Humility is Service to Greatness

Jesus says,

"...the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves."

Luke 22:26. 

God promised in Luke 14:11, “Those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Notice that He says "will," not “may.” God Himself does the lifting. The Psalmist in Psalm 112 shows that the righteous person’s legacy endures. That is exaltation from God, not man.

Jesus calls for humility that makes it possible for us to serve those who will never be able to recompense us in any way. We do it simply because the Lord has told us to do it, and we do it because we consider those to whom we minister worthy of such ministry. 

Precious one, be patient with your journey. Whether it’s in career, ministry, or relationships, don’t rush to the top by shortcuts. What God has for you, no one can take away. Your humility will keep you there when God lifts you.

Your attitude will determine your altitude, and your altitude is determined by your humility. The only service that is acceptable before God is that which is done in humility.

Humility Receives Divine Recognition

"For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11; cf. Matt. 23:12). The first part of the statement is in reference to anyone who sets out to make himself number one at the expense of all others. Remember, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." Proverbs 16:18. 

It is out of humility that the Divinity acts on our prayers: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14). It is in our humility that Divinity smiles on us. Beloved, be humble.

Hebrews 13:8 reminds us: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” If Jesus, the eternal King, humbled Himself to wash His disciples’ feet (John 13:5), then humility should flow naturally in us as His followers.

"Those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14:11. This part is not actually talking about just here and now. This is more of an eschatological statement. Jesus is pointing to the Divine arrangement of the time and season yet to come. According to Jesus, the new Jerusalem (earth) is promised to the meek (Matt. 5:5). 

Christ is an illustrative example of humility, which is why Paul tells us to have the same mindset of Christ Jesus, who, being in the very nature of God, humbled Himself, therefore, God exalted him to the highest place (Philippians 2). The Hebrew writer concludes this by saying, "We do have such a high priest [Jesus Christ], who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven" Hebrews 8:1. This is the state of Christ's exaltation, and it is our set joy in this life.

In essence, humility on earth receives divine recognition, which brings exaltation. Christ's judgment on the final day is to sift the humble from the proud. Only those found in humility will be exalted.

Conclusion

Precious one, humility is not stupidity. It is a virtue you and I need to overcome the devil in our lives on earth, as well as a boarding pass to enter Heaven's gate. Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself; it means thinking of yourself less, and thinking more of God and others.

Humility is choosing the lower seat and waiting for God to call you to a higher throne. It is remembering that life is not about impressing people but about pleasing God.

Shalom aleichem...