Humility

11 January

And Pharaoh said unto his brethren, What is your occupation? And they said unto Pharaoh, Thy servants are shepherds, both we, and also our fathers. Genesis 47:3

SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Matthew 23

This passage teaches us how much better it is to possess a remote corner in the courts of the Lord than to dwell in the midst of ungodly palaces. The design of God was to keep the sons of Jacob in a degraded position until he would restore them to the land of Canaan. His purpose was to preserve them in unity till the promised deliverance should take place; therefore, they did not conceal the fact that they were shepherds.

We must beware lest the desire of empty honor should elate us when the Lord reveals no other way of salvation than of bringing us under discipline. Let us willingly be without honor for a time so that hereafter angels may receive us to participate in their eternal glory. By this example of Jacob’s sons, those who are asked to do humble work are taught that they have no need to be ashamed of their lot. It ought to be enough, and more than enough, for them that the mode of living that they pursue is lawful and acceptable to God.

The remaining confession of the brethren that they were shepherds (verse 4) was not unattended with a sense of shame; they said they had come to sojourn in Egypt because of hunger. The advantage that arose because of their circumstances was not to be despised. For they came to Egypt few in number and perishing with hunger and were so branded with infamy that scarcely anyone would deign to speak with them. The glory of God that afterward shone upon them was ever so much more illustrious when, in the third century from that time, God wonderfully led them forth out of Egypt as a mighty nation.

FOR MEDITATION: It is a constant temptation to present ourselves as more important than we really are. This reveals both pride on our part and dissatisfaction with the lot of God has chosen for us. We would do well to speak the truth as Joseph’s brothers did.

John Calvin

365 Days With Calvin

Selected and Edited by Joel R. Beeke