HOW TO SEE HIS FACE

READ: Matthew 11:25-30

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart. – Matthew 11:29

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Kings 14-16

Bertel Thorwaldsen, a Danish sculptor, was commissioned to make a statue of Christ. He first took some very pliable clay and made a model. Then he left his studio, giving the new-formed clay time to dry and harden. During the night, however, a dense mist rolled in from the sea and the moisture altered the moulded figure.

When the sculptor returned the next day, he thought that his embryonic masterpiece had been ruined. The hands that had been held aloft as though to bless were now stretched forward in an inviting way. The head of Christ that had been gazing heavenward now looked down toward the earth, partially hiding the face from view.

Looking at the model, Thorwaldsen suddenly realized that this is the way the final sculpture should be formed. “Indeed, if you want to see the face of Christ,” he exclaimed, “you must humble yourself and get down on your knees!”

The more we learn of Christ and the more we seek to follow Him, the more we desire to reflect His meekness and humility. Yet how far we fall short! Few of us are truly “gentle and lowly in heart” (Matt. 11:29).

Oh, that we might learn more of Him, that pride and selfishness may die out! – Henry Bosch

There is meekness free from pride

That feels no anger rise

At slights, or hate, or ridicule,

But counts the cross a prize. – Anon.

You can ask the Lord for humility, but you can’t thank Him for it.