APRIL 28, 2025

 

“The proud person always wants to do the right thing, the great thing. But because he wants to do it in his own strength, he is fighting not with man, but with God.” 
― Søren Kierkegaard

2 SAMUEL 19-22

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;

3my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,

my shield^a and the horn^b of my salvation...

31“As for God, his way is perfect:

The Lord’s word is flawless;

he shields all who take refuge in him.

32For who is God besides the Lord?

And who is the Rock except our God?

33It is God who arms me with strength^h

and keeps my way secure...

50Therefore I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;

I will sing the praises of your name. 

LUKE 22:1-38 

24A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

31“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 

JOURNAL

Once again, David stands as a profound example of humility. In all things, he directs glory and credit back to God. This isn't some shallow platitude or a display of false humility; it is the genuine response of a heart that knows where all goodness ultimately comes from. David consistently acknowledges that it is God—not himself—who deserves the honor (2 Samuel 7:18–22; Psalm 18:1–3). This, I believe, is part of the enduring beauty of David’s story: no matter his failures, no matter how far he falls, David always returns to that childlike love and wonder for God (Matthew 18:3).

In contrast, at this pivotal moment in the Gospels, we find the disciples on the very brink of catastrophe. Their world is about to be completely upended—Jesus will soon be arrested, crucified, and buried—and yet, here they are, arguing among themselves about who is the greatest (Luke 22:24–27). It’s heartbreaking and, honestly, very human. Even Peter, often overconfident and quick to speak, is singled out. Jesus warns him that he will deny Him three times before the rooster crows (Luke 22:31–34). Peter, despite his boldness, must learn the painful lesson that strength is not found in self-confidence, but in dependence on God.

And isn't that so often the way we are? Instead of recognizing and rejoicing in the blessings right in front of us, we get tangled up in tomorrow’s worries or lost in yesterday’s regrets (Matthew 6:34; Philippians 3:13–14). We try to justify ourselves, arrange our futures, and protect our egos—missing the invitation to simply live fully and faithfully today.

I can’t help but be struck by this scene: the single greatest moment in human history—the moment that will change the destiny of the entire world forever—is unfolding, and the disciples are squabbling like children. It’s easy to judge them, but honestly, I miss these kinds of moments too. Knowing the end of the biblical story sometimes dulls my sensitivity to the rawness of the moments. And similarly, in my own life, I often miss the miracle of today because I’m too busy worrying about tomorrow or stewing over the past. Yet Jesus calls us into the present—to see, to savor, and to trust Him with everything we cannot control.

18Pride goes before destruction,

a haughty spirit before a fall.

 Proverbs 16:18