There is a concept we as modern American's don't like to think about: Truly humbling ourselves. In general we pridefully humble ourselves - Look how humble I am! - but to truly do it is another thing. We are taught to build our self-esteem and see how preciously unique we are, and while that is true, we lean too heavily upon it.
A random verse in Numbers caught my attention this morning. The Lord is giving a long list of "orders" to the Israelites before they crossed over to the promised land, and there is one we would do well to not forget. "You are to hold a sacred assembly on the tenth day of this seventh month and practice self-denial; you must not do any work." Number 29:7 As much as I'd like it to, "self-denial" does not mean to refrain from chocolate cake or a Big Mac.
The actual phrase for "practice self-denial" in Hebrew is anah et nepes. Another, longer, way to translate this is "Inflict oppression, subdue, humble, deal harshly with your own soul, the essence of your being." (The Complete Word Study Old Testamant) Why would the Lord command this of the people? Because we need to remember at times that we are not all we think we are. We need to remember Whose we are. We are slaves of the Most High God! (Daniel 5:21) Yes, He loves us and has adopted us as His own allowing us to be heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), but we are His slaves here - now - on this earth (Romans 6:17), and it is good for us to remember that.
Praise God though that they were only required to do this once a year. Our heavenly Father does not want us to walk around defeated and feeling worthless. He loves us dearly; to the point of having His only son crucified for us! It is just good for us to take the time to remember we belong to our king and are here for blessing His name in all things, not our own.
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