God is the most humble Being that has ever existed. It may sound rather odd to say such a thing, but one must come to grips with this fact if he wants to know God rightly. When someone thinks of the humility of God, generally speaking, he will often dwell upon the words that are found within Philippians chapter 2 or John chapter 13. While it is good practice to dwell upon the humility of God that is depicted in the person of Christ in Philippians chapter 2 or John chapter 13, the extent of the Christian’s study typically begins there and ends there.
As a result, the Christian does not think much about the humility of God, and he is thereby robbed of sweet communion with God that flows through a proper knowledge of God. One of the ways in which the humility of God can be seen is through a common practice of man in prayer, as well as a response by God that is often seen. In the event that what is being stated may seem a little confusing, keep reading, and clarity will come.
Joshua in prayer to God
At the outset, it is important to note the prayer of Joshua and the response of God. In Joshua 7:6-9, a prayer can be read, but the context must be understood as well. Prior to Joshua 7:6-9, the Israelite troops went into battle and suffered a challenging defeat. They had recently crossed the Red Sea and destroyed much of Jericho.
Nevertheless, there was a man by the name of Achan who had taken for himself some of the plunder that was supposed to be devoted to destruction. Due to the sin of Achan, the army of Israel was met with defeat in battle. Joshua was stunned to see how the battle had transpired and sought the Lord and His favor.
Joshua prays, “… Alas, O Lord God, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over the Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? Would to God we had been content, and dwelt on the other side Jordan!” (KJV, Jos. 6:7) . Joshua continues to pray through verse 9, but the structure of the entire prayer can be seen here. Joshua not only prays, but he argues in his plea.
When one meditates on what is taking place, he will surely see the humility of God shining through. Joshua is pleading his case with God. Imagine for a moment a new recruit in a major corporation standing before the CEO and pleading his case concerning a matter. In the event that the CEO would stoop down to listen to the new recruit, would not the CEO be deemed humble in that moment? Regardless, this Illustration does not scratch the surface of the chasm that lies between God and man. God is so far beyond man that numbers could not form an equation to represent such a reality.
God is perfect in knowledge and wisdom. He is the Creator of the heavens and the earth. God is absolutely perfect in all His ways and powerful beyond comprehension. However, Joshua knew his God and thus chose to plead with God in prayer. Joshua gives what would be deemed, from a human perspective, convincing arguments to sway God’s mighty hand in Joshua’s and Israel’s favor.
But one need not think long until he is met with the fact that God already knows all there is to know. God is already aware of the all the events that have taken place and will take place. But still, we see that God listens to man and is able to be swayed in prayer. This does not mean that God is indecisive, because He is the exact opposite; it means that God is humble beyond measure.
Abraham and God
Another portion of Scripture that depicts the same reality about God and man can be seen in the account of Abraham. Many people reading this are well aware of the passage that is going to be referenced. God shared many things with Abraham, for Abraham was God’s prophet. Abraham was God’s chosen servant, and the Bible even declares him a friend of God. Abraham had an intimate relationship with God, and out of this relationship, Abraham knew how to pray.
At some point in the life of Abraham, he and Lot parted ways. Lot eventually made his way into Sodom, which was a city that was characterized by wickedness. Lot was a righteous man, but he was an immature righteous man. In fact, one might never have known that Lot was a righteous man had it not been for what is written in 2 Peter 2:7.
But to continue on, Abraham heard the news that God was going to destroy the city of Sodom. Upon hearing this news, the Scripture says, “And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?” (Gen. 18:23) . Abraham drew near to what, to whom? Abraham drew near to God.
As Abraham drew near to God, it is rather interesting to see the dialogue that takes place between God and man. Genesis 18:23 sets the tone for the entire discussion in that it shows Abraham’s seeking God’s favor through pleas for mercy in the event that righteous people are present within Sodom.
Abraham begins by asking God that, if there are fifty righteous people within the city of Sodom, would not God withhold His wrath from the city? God listens to Abraham and agrees with Abraham. Abraham asks God if there are forty-five righteous people within the city, would not God withhold His wrath? God responds in similar fashion as He did when Abraham brought up the fifty righteous people. Eventually, Abraham works his way down to asking if there are ten righteous people in the city, would not God withhold His wrath? God agrees that He would.
It is at this point that the pleas stop. It has been thought that if Abraham continued to ask, God would have reduced the number as long as Abraham pleaded with God, but ten is where the discussion ended.
Two points must be made. The first point is that Scripture makes it absolutely clear that one of ways to prevail with God in prayer is by calling upon the nature and character of God in prayer. In an attempt to clarify this point, there are portions of Scripture where people can be seen (such as Joshua and Abraham) pleading with God through the use of logical arguments that are based upon Scripture. This approach to prayer can be thought of as wrestling with God in prayer (much like Jacob wrestled with God in the book of Genesis and later received the blessing).
The second point is that God is humble. God did not need to listen to Abraham. God did not need to listen to Joshua, and God does not need to listen to anyone else for that matter. But He does. God does not simply answer prayer either. The Bible makes it clear that God is open to listening to the prayers and pleas of His people. God is open to shifting gears in the event that it does not go against His character, nature, and will.
God delights in answering the prayers of His people and has actually determined before the foundations of the world that many events will only occur if someone prays. James has said, “… ye have not, because ye ask not” (James 4:2). The Bible means what it says. There are many good things that are not taking place because people neglect prayer.
Application
The application of what is being said does not start with man. To avoid confusion, we need to fine tune the matter at hand as we wrap it up. The application starts with God and His humility. A proper understanding of the God and His humility will bring about a disposition toward God that is relational and full of faith. Out of this disposition, one can rightly pray, plead, and wrestle with God in prayer.
Final prayer
Father, I thank You for Who You are. You are truly a good and humble God. Please help me to be like You and to know that I can approach You in prayer. Thank You for hearing me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.