Humility and Honor to the Father
By Linda and Richard Eyre
Note: Each week this column provides a short
essay on one particular aspect or facet of the Lord’s personality and character. It is intended that the
reader focus on this facet while partaking of the sacrament this
Sunday. (Click here
to read full introductory column.)
Evidences of humility
and honor, of glory and gratitude, from Jesus the Christ
to God the Father can be found on virtually every page of
the four Gospels. Christ’s humility consisted (as ours should) not
of fear or timidity, but of a profound understanding of his relationship
to God.
Christ had a knowledge of God as his Father (which brought him confidence)
and he had a knowledge of God as the designer, owner and center
of all (which brought him humility). In Christ, these two
qualities (confidence and humility), which we often think of as
opposites, were perfectly linked. In fact, they were fused into
one metal of enduring hardness and strength.
In John 14:28-31
Christ explains that the source of his loyalty to the Father is
his love for the Father. His love is perfect and thus his
loyalty is perfect.
Throughout his earthly
ministry, the Lord reminded us of his profound understanding of
his relationship to the Father. His phrases were “the Father’s will,”
“the Father’s power.” When there was danger of someone not understanding
this, the Savior stated it so strongly and dramatically that none
could misunderstand: “I can of mine own self do nothing” (John 5:30);
“Why callest thou me good? There is none
good but one, that is, God” (Matthew 19:17); “the Son can do nothing
of himself” (John 5:19).
He tied righteousness
rightly and directly to seeking the Father’s glory (John 7:18).
In this dispensation the same emphasis remains. The Lord revealed
that only two things offend God: failure to keep God’s commandments
and failure to confess God’s hand in all things.
Jesus Christ’s perfect
example is the perfect teacher. Every word, every action, every
moment of his life and his eternity gives gratitude and glory to
his Father — our Father.
Join us next week as we explore the devotion
and dedication of the Lord.
© 2005 Meridian
Magazine. All Rights Reserved.
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