The Cross is an Obstacle to Pride
Dress for Success – Part 2

Scripture Reading:  Isaiah 53:1-5

Key Verse: Isaiah 53:2b

He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.

Yesterday we studied the appearance of Jesus, according to the Prophet Isaiah’s revelation!  When someone asks what Jesus looked like, the real answer is: We don’t know.  Artists’ renderings are simply that, renderings out of the imagination of an artist.  However, the kingdom of God, that Jesus ushered in, does have a “look”!

In the past few devotionals we have been highlighting one of the main characteristics of its look: humility.  When you see pride in anyone who says they represent the kingdom of God, you can be assured that is a misrepresentation.  In Isaiah’s words, “he was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth…” (Isaiah 53:7).  The chief characteristic that described Jesus was humility.  His birth was in a barn with animals; how humble is that?  Jesus was from the little town of Nazareth, one of the least of all known communities.  The gospel of John quotes Nathanael saying: “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” (John 1:46).

We all get tempted to promote ourselves.  We can be in a conversation and get that moment to make ourselves look better!  When we cave to that desire, we take off the “apparel” of God’s kingdom and put on the worldly look!  God gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).

Father, I want to dress for success in your view.  May I have your strength to deny any opportunities to promote myself today.  In Jesus’ name, amen.