| Good morning everyone, Our theme for this month: “Be the church” Our Bible verse for today: “Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.” Numbers 12:3 (NIV) Our thought for today: “This is what it looks like” This morning I want us to revisit the concept of being magnanimous in manner and conduct, and we will consider a few examples of what that looks like in actual practice. As a reminder, the magnanimous person has a greatness of soul. They are honorable, kind, compassionate, generous, not easily offended, eager to forgive, confident, and noble in bearing. The magnanimous person is merciful, big-hearted, patient, dignified, charitable, fair, and just. Moses was a magnanimous man. On the one hand, he was the greatest leader the nation of Israel ever had. He boldly confronted the Pharoah; he was the instrument God used to bring terrible plagues of punishment upon the Egyptian people; he courageously led the entire nation out of captivity and then for forty years of nomadic living in the wilderness. He was strong, decisive, uncompromising, and brave. But Numbers 12:3 says he was also the humblest man on earth. The Amplified Bible translates that verse this way: “Now the man Moses was very humble (gentle, kind, devoid of self-righteousness), more than any man who was on the face of the earth.” Likewise, Abraham Lincoln was known for his courage and boldness, but also for his kindness and humility. Ronald Reagan was famous and much-loved for the same reason. A key to Billy Graham’s greatness was his firm and uncompromising presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ – presented boldly and without apology, but he was also loved and admired for his kindness, warmth, and his great sense of humility. Corrie Ten Boom, Elizabeth Elliot, and Joni Eareckson Tada are just a few women who were also courageous in heart and magnanimous in nature. All of that reminds me of the concept developed by author Aubry Andelin in his great little book “Man of Steel and Velvet.” A person made of steel and velvet has an inner core that is as strong and unyielding as steel. It consists of qualities like uncompromising integrity, honesty, courage, and conviction. But the inner core of steel is wrapped in an outer covering of velvet. The person is kind and compassionate, warm and friendly, quick to show love and to extend mercy and grace. It is steel wrapped in velvet. This is what the magnanimous Christian looks like. Out there in the world on-mission with Jesus Christ; actively engaging the world in social issues, politics, community activities, and humanitarian efforts; contending for Biblical values; sharing the Good News of the Gospel; but doing it all with a magnanimous spirit that radiates a winsome resemblance to our Lord Jesus Christ. So, now that we know what it looks like, let’s go out there and do it. Let’s be that magnanimous person as we engage our world and contend for Biblical truth. God bless, Pastor Jim (If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville |
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