June 20 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

Grace, like water, runs to low places. The deeper you bow, the more you receive. But for those who live in high places, it's hard to get.

Throughout the Bible we read that God scatters the arrogant and sends the rich away but fills the hungry and exalts the lowly. The prayer of the humble one is the only window through which the grace of God can shine.

However, we must practice humility not only before God but also toward one another. "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another."

Humility is not a gesture that we make now and then. It is a garment in which we are clothed for the duration of our pilgrimage.

In this respect the Christian community presents the greatest possible contrast with worldly society. Christians don't climb over each other; they bow down to each other. They don't envy each other; they rejoice with each other.

And those Christians who have been appointed as shepherds over God's flock should remind each other not to behave like successful executives in a worldly business. Together they are little shepherds or pastors who are awaiting the return of the chief Shepherd, to whom the flock belongs. When he comes, they will get their promotion—no sooner.

The chief Shepherd himself lived and died in service. He humbled himself to the depths of our shame. And only after he had finished it all was he crowned with glory. The people of God must live and work on earth in the shadow of his cross until the day of coronation.

It is Christ's custom to lift only those who are low and to give crowns only to those who have been bearing a cross. Therefore we must remain uncrowned in this life. And we must live in places low enough for grace to reach us.

REFLECTIONS

"Christians don't climb over each other; they bow down to each other." How do you (could you) "bow" to other Christians?

Andrew Kuyvenhoven's Daylight, a modern devotional classic, was originally published by Paideia Press in 1977. This updated edition is copyright 2009 by Faith Alive Christian Resources. You can order a copy of this revised version of the book directly from the publisher.

A man of many accomplishments, Andrew Kuyvenhoven is probably best known for his contributions to Today (formerly The Family Altar), a widely-used monthly devotional booklet associated with the Back to God Hour. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations for this updated edition of Daylight are from the Holy Bible: Today's New International Version copyright 2001, 2005 by the International Bible Society.