I Peter 5:  In this final chapter of Peter's letter, he addresses the elders of the churches.. those in positions of leadership, those who "shepherd the flock of God".  Peter "exhorts" them to "exercise oversight" with eagerness and humility.  Not for gain. Not for power. Not under compulsion.  They must be an example.. living according to the will of God and helping the flock to do so also. 

 Peter goes on to say, "... and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another."   Our God "gives grace to the humble". This attitude of humility is valued by God so much that it is presented over and over again in His Word. Jesus said, "Whoever humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:4)  And again in 23:12 "And whoever exalts himself shall be humbled and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted."  

Jesus, Himself is our ultimate example of humility as Paul so beautifully explains in his letter to the Philppians.. "And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. " 

Isaiah 57:15 (CJB) "For thus says the High, Exalted One who lives forever, whose name is Holy: 'I live in the high and holy place but also with the broken and humble, in order to revive the spirit of the humble and revive the hearts of the broken ones.'"  

To be in God's Presence.. to fellowship with Him.. to find true worth and value.. requires that we humble ourselves.  It is a hard thing sometimes.. to lower yourself, to humiliate yourself, to abase yourself.. to cast down yourself - your rights, your feelings, your position, your.. self.  We can only do so when we believe that God is Who He says He is and that He will do what He says He will do.  He is the God of Grace.  We can cast "all [our] anxiety on Him because He cares for [us]".  He has "called us to His eternal glory in Christ".. and He will "Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish [us]".  It is a hard thing.. but it is so worth it all!

Father in heaven, Your will be done! We bow before You and exalt Your Name for You alone are God of heaven and earth and there is no other.  "Be exalted, God, above heaven! May your glory be over all the earth." (Psalm 57:11)  We call to You, the Most High God and ask for Your grace and truth. We ask that You would accomplish Your purposes for each of us.. to the praise and glory of Your name. Thank You for revealing Your Truth to us in the Word. Thank You for the Holy Spirit who lives in us.. so that we might do Your will.. truly humbling ourselves before You and before others, to the glory of Your Name.  Let the power of Your love and grace accomplish Your perfect will in each of us. We ask this in Jesus' name. amen.