Humility – Not What You Expect ∙∙
Now Moses was very humble – humbler than any other person on earth. – Numbers 12:3
Matthew 11:28-30
28 Then Jesus said, Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.
The Humility of Moses and the Power of a Radiant Faith
Hughes tells the story of Thomas Huxley, a well-known agnostic, and provides a powerful example of how simple, Spirit-filled faith can reach even the most skeptical hearts. Toward the end of the nineteenth century, Huxley was staying at a country home. On Sunday, as most guests prepared to go to church, Huxley chose to stay behind. However, he approached a man known for his sincere and radiant Christian faith and made a surprising request.
“Suppose you don’t go to church today,” Huxley said. “Suppose you stay at home and tell me quite simply what your Christian faith means to you and why you are a Christian.” The man hesitated, replying, “But you could demolish my arguments in an instant. I’m not clever enough to argue with you.” Huxley kindly responded, “I don’t want to argue with you; I just want you to tell me simply what this Christ means to you.”
The man agreed and shared his faith with Huxley. When he finished, Huxley’s eyes filled with tears. “I would give my right hand,” he said, “if only I could believe that.” Huxley had seen the genuine, radiant spiritual vitality of a humble believer, and it made a lasting impression on him.
This story reminds us that our lives are often the only letter from the Father that others will ever read. As 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 states, “You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.”
Moses: A Model of Humility
Moses is described in Scripture as being extraordinarily humble. Numbers 12:3 says, “Now Moses was very humble, humbler than any other person on earth.” This humility is remarkable, considering the unique relationship Moses had with the Father.
Moses was the only person in human history to have a face-to-face relationship with God. Exodus 33:11 states, “The LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend.” This intimate communication is unparalleled.
The Father expands on this special relationship in Numbers 12:8, saying, “I speak to him mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles!” This phrase, “mouth to mouth,” indicates direct, personal conversations between Moses and the Father. Unlike others who received messages through dreams or visions, Moses had one-on-one conversations with God. In modern words, we might say they simply “talked” like friends do.
The Privileges and Accomplishments of Moses
Moses was chosen to be the recipient of God’s Law, which ultimately became the Torah, the cornerstone of the Jewish faith. His method of communicating with God was remarkable, and his achievements rank among the most significant in all of the Scriptures. From guiding the Israelites out of Egypt to advocating for them, Moses was used by God in ways that are nearly incomprehensible.
Despite these unmatched privileges, Moses never flaunted his position. He did not use his authority for personal gain or to dominate others. Instead, his humility matched the magnitude of his role. Even when falsely accused of making himself a judge and prince over the people, Moses did not defend himself.
For example, in Numbers 16:13 and Acts 7:35, Moses was accused of abusing his authority over the Israelites. These accusations were unfounded, what we might call “Fake News” today. Still, Moses did not respond to his accusers. Instead, he trusted his defense to the Father, who spoke and acted on his behalf.
The Father’s response is recorded in Numbers 12:8: “So why were you not afraid to criticize my servant, Moses?” This divine vindication underscores the Father’s approval of Moses’ humility and faithfulness.
REFLECT & PRAY
Where does vibrant, spiritual excellence originate? It begins with the foundation of humility and gratefulness. Moses’ life demonstrates that vibrant spiritual excellence starts with humility and gratitude. His humility allowed him to serve the Father faithfully, even in the face of immense challenges and opposition.
As children of the King, we are called to embody this humility, acknowledging that all we are and all we have come from the Father. A life characterized by humility and gratitude becomes a powerful example to others, just as the simple faith of the man who spoke to Thomas Huxley left a lasting impression.
Father, help me to have an accurate assessment of my strengths and my weaknesses. All that I am and all that I have are from You.
INSIGHT
The Foundation of Spiritual Excellence
Moses’ life demonstrates that vibrant spiritual excellence begins with humility and gratitude. His humility allowed him to serve the Father faithfully, even in the face of immense challenges and opposition.
As believers, we are called to emulate this humility, recognizing that all we are and all we have come from the Father. A life marked by humility becomes a powerful testimony to others, just as the simple faith of the man who spoke to Thomas Huxley left a lasting impression on him.
Nathaniel: A Portrait of True Humility
Humility, as demonstrated by Nathaniel, is an essential characteristic of spiritual excellence. In the ancient Greek world, humility was not considered a virtue but a weakness, often associated with servitude. However, the Lord Jesus Christ redefined humility, elevating it to a position of honor and respect. When He identified Himself as humble, what was once seen as a fault became a strength.
Humility isn’t about having a low opinion of yourself, but about being honest and accurate in assessing your strengths and weaknesses. It is devoid of pride, arrogance, and self-abasement. Nathaniel exemplifies this true humility in his first encounter with Jesus.
John 1:47 records, “Jesus saw Nathaniel coming to Him, and said of him, ‘Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!’” Nathaniel’s response was sincere and straightforward: “How do you know me?”
Nathaniel’s identity and self-worth were clearly defined. He did not pretend to be humble or make self-deprecating comments. Instead, his response showed genuine and humble self-awareness.
Nathaniel’s Encounter with Jesus
The account of Nathaniel’s encounter with Jesus is recorded in John 1:45-48:
“Philip went to look for Nathaniel and told him, ‘We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth.’
‘Nazareth!’ exclaimed Nathaniel. ‘Can anything good come from Nazareth?’
‘Come and see for yourself,’ Philip replied.
Jesus saw Nathaniel coming to Him, and said of him, ‘Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!’
Nathaniel said to Him, ‘How do You know me?’”
The Greek word translated as “deceit” is dolos, which literally means “fish bait.” It conveys the idea of “treachery, fraud, or cunning.” Jesus’ statement about Nathaniel was a profound compliment, recognizing his integrity and sincerity.
Nathaniel was astonished that Jesus, a stranger, knew him so intimately. This personal encounter with Jesus led Nathaniel to a life-changing realization. He declared, “You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.”
The Redefinition of Humility
Through His life and teachings, the Lord Jesus Christ transformed the understanding of humility. What was once seen as a weakness became a mark of strength and honor. True humility focuses on attitude rather than appearance, emphasizing an honest self-assessment and a willingness to submit to God’s authority.
Nathaniel’s humility allowed him to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and respond with faith. His example reminds us that humility is not about diminishing ourselves but about aligning our hearts with God’s truth.
Conclusion
Moses’ remarkable relationship with God and his extraordinary humility serve as a model for all children of the King. Despite his exceptional privileges, Moses remained humble, relying on God for guidance and validation. His life teaches us that true greatness in the kingdom of God is rooted in humility and a deep dependence on Him.
As children of the King, we are called to cultivate humility, recognizing that all we have and all we are come from the Father. In doing so, we become living letters of His truth, sharing His love and grace with a world that needs them.
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© Dr. H 2025
Dr H Reflections 