Think On These Things

When Need Becomes Greater Than Pride

            

            In Luke 8:40-42 we read, “Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. And there came a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue. And falling at Jesus’ feet, he implored him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying.”

            As a ruler of the synagogue Jairus was a man of no small influence. However, he found himself in a situation that rendered him powerless. His daughter was dying and there was nothing he could do stop it. All of his influence, wisdom, power, and fame meant absolutely nothing to him in the face of such a terrible predicament. Jesus had many enemies and there is little doubt that at least some of them witnessed Jairus running to Jesus and falling at his feet. There is even less doubt that word of Jairus’ actions spread very quickly. However, whatever pride Jairus may have possessed was crushed beneath the weight of his tremendous need.

            A saved relationship with Jesus Christ demands one thing above all else—a humble willingness to admit that one is a sinner, helplessly lost, and completely reliant upon the mercy and grace of One infinitely greater than they (Romans 3:23; 5:1-11). This humility boasts in the cross of Jesus Christ, never in self (Galatians 6:14). This humility boasts in weakness for it is in weakness that the power of Christ shines brightest (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Is there any wonder, in our increasingly humanistic world, that such humility is rarely seen?

            Unfortunately, such humility is not as common as it should be even among those who claim Christ as Lord. It is lacking in the elder who lords his authority over the flock, looking upon the congregation as his own personal fiefdom. It is lacking in the evangelist who forgets that his duty is to present Christ, not himself. It is lacking in the Christian who imagines that his or her salvation will be achieved on the basis of personal goodness.

            Need. The word ought to be emblazoned upon the heart of every Christian for the day will never come when the mercy and grace of God is not our greatest need. The one who glories in self has yet to recognize this. When they do, that realization will crush the pride that bars their way to the Lord and salvation.