Humble and Ready

The genealogy of Judah does not read like a song of human greatness. It is a record in which sin is remembered, judgments are not hidden, and yet the line is carried forward by the mercy of God. Job, too, is brought low before the Lord’s majesty; he puts his hand over his mouth and ceases from answering back. Titus then teaches what such lowliness looks like in daily life: obedience, gentleness, refusal of slander, readiness for good works, and a sober dealing with those who persist in division.

These readings agree in one lesson: man must not exalt himself before God or against his neighbor. Clement says, “For to him who exalts and magnifies himself, the change and downfall to a low condition succeeds in turn, as the divine word teaches.” The Lord resists proud speech, whether it is Job’s darkened questioning, the sinner’s confidence in his own house, or the quarrelsome tongue that wounds others. If we know that we too were once foolish and enslaved to passions, then we have no leave to be harsh. We are to be meek toward all, yet not indulgent toward falsehood that destroys the flock.

So the Christian life is not idle belief but trained obedience. “And again, And let our people also learn to maintain good works.” Let a man therefore learn: hold the tongue, honor lawful authority, give help where there is need, and cut off factious disputes after patient admonition. To be washed by mercy is to become useful to God and neighbor. The humble man does not defend his pride; he repents, serves, and endures.