Last week as we ran out of time i had to hurry through the application points, but i think they are worth thinking through some more, so if you have time, ponder these more fully. We are called to humble ourselves and trust Jesus no matter what:

1.    Humble yourself and Trust him in the natural realm

Trust him in Sickness, storms, strife – As the diagnosis comes in, the disaster ruins your possessions, the market dips, death ravages.

Of course, it is best to walk through the highs and lows of life with a resolute confidence, if we can walk knowing: “all things work together for my good”, we will be firm and strong, we can go to sleep in peace, like Jesus in the boat, knowing God has got it…

but the reality is, we are more like the disciples on any given day, crying out in fear, shaking God – “WHY ARE YOU ASLEEP!”

When you see the waves rise, or the shadow of darkness creep overhead,

Cry out in humility and trust: “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.”

Your little faith, in the great Jesus, will save you!

Don’t try self-salvation projects, don’t run to other gods, and Jesus as a last resort. Go to him!
 

2.    Humble yourself and Trust him in the super-natural realm

There is a war – but he is in charge

Do not run to horoscopes, mediums, palm readers for comfort, or knowledge, or power in the spiritual realm, you are dealing with dangerous beings

Instead, when fear of the future hits, when accusations and thoughts come into your head, do not try and battle it alone

Humble yourself, and trust in in Him – put on the armour he has given you.

• Ephesians 6:10-13

  • Eph. 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

3.    Humble yourself and Trust him in the mess

Remember, the Gadarenes sent him away cause his presence is too costly, they preferred pigs over people.

ILLUSTRATION: Jesus is good but he is not safe – Aslan

Mr Beaver: “Aslan is a lion- the Lion, the great Lion."

"Ooh" said Susan. "I'd thought he was a man. Is he-quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion"...

"Safe?" said Mr Beaver ..."Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.”

Jesus saves messy people, which creates messes! We like order, we like predictability, we like safety, but we aren’t promised this!

He will mess up your life! He will mess up your plans, your finances, your time, your holidays, your entertainment, it will ALL be for your good, but at times it will hurt and be confusing, and you’d wish he would just go away.

But trust Him in it, he is GOOD but he is not safe! 

4.    Humble yourself and Trust him with your sins

Your greatest need is your most vulnerable point: your sins.

Allow him to determine how we are to live, he is the King, we may have ideas about how to be saved, but in the presence of the Son of Man, we must let him call the shots.

Read Luke 18:9-14

 Luke 18:9   He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”