December 9
The Continual Burnt Offering" B ut He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
There is nothing to which the human heart is so prone as pride, and yet have nothing to be proud of! Our many sins might well humble us to the lowest depths, yet this evil root persists even in the most devoted saints. Paul needed a thorn in the flesh lest he be exalted above measure. David insisted on numbering the people for his own glory. Peter became lifted up when blessed with special spiritual illumination. By this sin Lucifer fell and carried one third of the angels of Heaven with him, and its virus has infected the whole human race since Eve was seduced by it in Eden. Christ is our supreme example of humility. His was a meekness that never exalted itself but sought only the glory of God. May we follow His steps in this as in all else.
He would have us wear beautiful garments—
Those which we may have through grace—
The robe of a tranquil spirit,
The calm of a peaceful face;
The charm of a gentle manner,
The lustre of heaven-lit eyes;
That robe of such sacred splendour,
The spirit of sacrifice.
These, these, and yet other garments,
All beautiful, bright and fair,
We may, by His grace, adorn us,
And unto His glory wear.
—J. Danson Smith