“Those we esteem express their likeness to God better in their humility than in their highness.” (p 55, A Companion in Crisis: A Modern Paraphrase of John Donne’s Devotions paraphrased by Philip Yancey.)
Donne is reflecting on how vulnerable a king is to the threat of sickness. Of course John Donne was surrounded by the persistent and truly devastating pandemic that belonged to his time. His refection comes from his own personal sickbed. Since everyone is equally situated in the same pool of vulnerabilities, then “highness” is such a tenuous position to happen to have. We are vulnerable to all kinds of weakness. Humility must be the most secure place we can hope to be. Thanks be unto God that He treasures humility as His home-place with a fire blazing with His bright and warm presence.
Matthew 11:28–30 “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light.” NASB
by Stephen Williams © 8/25/2022