Daily Devotional
Power in Humiliation
Today the Scriptures bind together three hard truths: God is just, man is often rash, and the saints must endure humiliation without casting away hope. Bildad speaks truly that God does not pervert judgment, yet he applies that truth without mercy, as though every suffering could be neatly explained. David, on the other hand, receives cursing without haste to avenge himself. He leaves room for God’s judgment and God’s mercy together. As Chrysostom repeats his words: “Let him alone (he says) the Lord has bidden him, that He might look on my humiliation (he says): And the Lord will requite me good for his cursing on this day.”
This is not weakness. It is the obedience of one who fears God more than men. The man who knows divine judgment does not need to seize vengeance with his own hand. Nor does he excuse sin. He bows low, repents where he must, and waits for the Lord.
Then Paul lifts our eyes higher. The same God whose judgment is righteous has acted in Christ with mighty power for those who believe and obey. He chose, adopted, redeemed, forgave, sealed, and promised an inheritance. This grace does not make us careless; it raises the dead to walk as saints. “Beholdest thou the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe? Ephesians 1:19 Them that were dead, them that were children of wrath, them has he quickened.” Therefore, when reviled, do not revile back. When corrected, do not harden yourself. When blessed with spiritual riches, do not spend them on pride, but on holiness, patience, and mercy toward others.
“Let him alone (he says) the Lord has bidden him, that He might look on my humiliation (he says): And the Lord will requite me good for his cursing on this day. 2 Samuel 16:11-12”
— John Chrysostom, Homilies on Hebrews
“Beholdest thou the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe? Ephesians 1:19 Them that were dead, them that were children of wrath, them has he quickened.”
— John Chrysostom, Homilies on Ephesians
For Reflection & Discussion
Whom do you need to stop repaying with sharp words, and what act of restraint or blessing will you practice toward that person today?
Where have you spoken about another person’s suffering with Bildad’s harsh certainty, and what confession or repair do you need to make?
Since you have been sealed for an inheritance in Christ, what concrete act of holiness will you keep this week—fasting, almsgiving, forgiveness, or guarding your tongue?
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