5. Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 6. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

We mentioned last week how important it was to be an example to others. 1 Peter 5:2 told us “Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers-- not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve;”

God wants servants who lead and leaders who serve. Young and old need the reminder that Jesus clothed himself as a slave that night in the upper room.  Jesus girded himself with a towel to be a servant and told His followers to do likewise.            

Corrie ten Boom quotes the story of a woodpecker that pecked when lightning hit the tree. The bird went around bragging.  That is the way with many Christians - when God does the work, we tend to take credit for it. When we stop to think about God’s part and our part, we are humbled at His power and our lack of personal ability.   

Struggles humble us. It is hard to see that as a tool of the Lord, but God's grace is made perfect in our weakness. God opposes the proud, the arrogant, and the haughty. Only the humble receive the rich outpouring of His grace. Perhaps one reason God hates pride is that that sin caused Satan to fall and rebel. Satan was prideful in Heaven as the most beautiful angel. He forgot his place in relationship to God and sought rebellion. The creature thought he could be like the Creator. (sound familiar?)           

In your struggles there is an important message. God is able to meet your needs. He is gracious. The “mighty hand of God” is the Old Testament's way of recognizing deliverance many times. God works on His own time schedule. In His time, He will give us the solution to our problems. We want things done yesterday, but this isn't the way God works.           

Peter would have his readers believe that those who humble themselves in recognition of the mighty power of God will in time experience divine lifting up. Grace will give them the capacity to be adequate to the tasks to which God calls them. Verse 6 says that the people who are humbled will be lifted up at the right time.  The key is the phrase "in due time." God never exalts anyone until that person is ready for it. First comes the cross, then the crown. First comes the suffering, then the glory.                      

Application:  How have you experienced the grace of God recently? What did you do to deserve it? Is it any wonder we need to be humble people when a great God chose to demonstrate His kindness?

Prayer:   On my knees again, Lord, here I am.  I am always amazed at how you weave Your very being into our lives.   Thank you, Father.