Day 1 – With the lowly
“For thus says the One who is high and lifted up,
who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
“I dwell in the high and holy place,
and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit,”
Isaiah 57:15
Come to me all who are lowly.
Although not expressly written in scripture, it is implicit throughout.
Let’s start with a definition: What does scripture mean by “lowly”?
It can mean humility—chosen or unchosen. It can mean social or economic status. It can mean one who is afflicted. It can mean an absence of arrogance or pride—unpretentious.
It can imply someone or something that is accessible and reachable. (Think candy on the lowest shelf)
The Greek word means “one who looks to One greater than he for direction.”
It is a nuanced word to be sure, but Isaiah 57:15 tells us something important and maybe even startling.
Isaiah describes two places that the Holy One chooses to call home. One is the high and holy place, and the other is with the lowly.
Pause for a minute and think about the significance of that reality.
This week, we will look at several examples of people who find themselves in a lowly state to learn more about why God is so partial to the lowly.
INWARD: Father, what do you want me to know?
Let’s begin by writing a few sentences about what the word lowly brings up in you. Is it an attractive word? Is it troublesome? Do you find yourself drawn to it or resistant to it?
OUTWARD: Father, what do you want me to do?
Then, offer a hopeful prayer to God as we enter this exploration of the lowly.
