Nougat 2

Recently, my ego has taken a beating. It was not easy to accept a few shifts and I didn’t feel humbled, more like humiliated. These were not about promotion in the literal sense; but more about my own expectations and the disappointment that accompanied the reality of my unmet expectations. Has that ever happened to you, and how did you respond?

So spoiler alert. I’ve not been lifted up. That situation will not change. And I am okay with that. If I can be honest with you, I was actually very surprised to see my reaction – I was not bitter about it, nor did I get angry. I determined that My God has to sort things. That being said, receiving today’s Holy Nougat has been a blessing to me. Let’s savor it

“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.” ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

At the Right Time

This nougat is part of a longer message from Peter, head of the Church, to the leaders (bishops, elders) and members. He seems to be dispensing final words of encouragement and wisdom in a season of change and persecution. Many of us can relate to this, although hopefully what we are facing pales in relation to what they experienced.

Having shared with them about their own internal relationship, Peter uses a term that once wouldn’t be readily associated with him. Transliterated as humble, tapeinóō refers to leveling, reducing, or lowering. Ironically, it seems that this was directed to regular congregants, for them to yield to the authority vested in the church leadership.

But this was not in a vacuum – elders also had specific roles. Called to minister both Word (and sacrament), they were to meet spiritual needs without imposing their autocratic authority in the process. Peter also proposed mutual submission, as this brings glory to God (2-5).

Thus Peter directed his congregants to fix their eyes on a force greater than themselves, and Peter leaves no doubt that he refers to God. What this suggests to me is that Peter was conscious of the challenges being faced, and recognized that in fixing their eyes on Jesus, it was easier to yield to the authority divested in others. Especially if the exercise of authority had the potential to destroy godly relationships.

In closing, I urge us as we yield to those in authority, that we consider what we ought to do to honor God when we are entrusted with authority over others. Will we repeat the attitudes of those who would have humiliated us? Or will we, with eyes focused on Jesus Christ, honour God by faithfully overseeing those placed in our care? That’s the formula for more grace, may we keep our eyes on Him.

—

May all we seek be found in Christ