And the next five

I have finished the book on Hitler and art that I had for my birthday. It is a fascinating book weaving together the story of how Hitler dealt with the mentally ill, including those with excellent artistic skills and his lesser known campaign against modern art. Very interesting. The book on Humility by Gavin Ortlund is in the same series as the one I mentioned by Sinclair Ferguson, Worthy. It is not an easy subject but he deals with it well and helpfully. I piced up David Robertson's book Seek at the Catalyst Conference. It is really for teenagers but I found it so fascinating I ordered the previous title, which I had missed, Ask. Both great little books. The other one I read recently is the Affinity book Challenging Leaders. I am desperate to be positive aboutthis book but am finding it very hard. It is written by a committee and sadly sounds like it as draws together various nuggets of biblical and sociological wisdom. I hope it is a helo to those who need oit most. 

Day Off Week 26 2023

I went for a walk on the Heath early in the day. I often do that but need to do it more often. I saw a sign outside the Chipotle in West Hampstead that I assumed meant chicken for a pastor so I went and had some. I also bought some Stilton for my cheese blog (see here). Plenty of reading, of course. A book on Paul Klee arrived and I read that. Not a Klee fan, I guess. A copy of the face on the front of the book (his best work I would say) used to hang in the chapel kitchen when I first got here. It was next to a portrait of the first pastor and so the then deacons used to joke that the first portrait was of the first pastor while the Klee was the one before me. Tres droll. I also read Gavin Ortlind's excellent book on humility and almost finished the book on Hitler and art by Charlie English I have been reading. Watched some TV in the evening.

Calvin on humility

This quote from is Calvin and is from the close of his sermon on Luke 1:49-51 in Songs of the Nativity which contains sermons translated by Robert White and was published by Banner of Truth in 2008.

For the rest, let us all beware of the thoughts of our heart and of whatever far exceeds our powers. Such things are thoroughly deceitful. On the contrary, whenever we are tempted to think inflated thoughts – for the devil loves to dazzle us with our own conceits – we must quickly head them off, and in all modesty to declare: “To serve my God is work enough. Supposing I had a much greater store of holiness, I could never fulfil a hundredth part of my duty. So I will aim no higher than God permits: he knows my capacity and my strength. From now on I'll strive to walk in the fear of my God better than before. My life is short and I am still far from the goal he has set. Though I try hard to reach it, the road is long and difficult.”

52 JC No 38

We have got rather behind with our Calvin but we hope to catch up. This is Calvin on humility from his comment on Genesis 47:3 (as spotted by Joel Beeke)

This passage also teaches us, how much better it is to possess a remote corner in the courts of the Lord, than to dwell in the midst of palaces, beyond the precincts of the Church. Therefore, let us not think it grievous to secure a sacred union with the sons of God, by enduring the contempt and reproaches of the world; even as Joseph preferred this union to all the luxuries of Egypt. But if any one thinks that he cannot otherwise serve God in purity, than by rendering himself disgusting to the world; away with all this folly! The design of God was this, to keep the sons of Jacob in a degraded position, until he should restore them to the land of Canaan: for the purpose, then, of preserving themselves in unity till the promised deliverance should take place, they did not conceal the fact that they were shepherds.

We must beware, therefore, lest the desire of empty honour should elate us: whereas the Lord reveals no other way of salvation, than that of bringing us under discipline. Wherefore let us willingly be without honour, for a time, that, hereafter, angels may receive us to a participation of their eternal glory. By this example also, they who are brought up in humble employments, are taught that they have no need to be ashamed of their lot. It ought to be enough, and more than enough, for them, that the mode of living which they pursue is lawful, and acceptable to God.

The remaining confession of the brethren (Ge 47:4) was not unattended with a sense of shame; in which they say, that they had come to sojourn there, compelled by hunger; but hence arose advantage not to be despised. For as they came down few, and perishing with hunger, and so branded with infamy that scarcely any one would deign to speak with them; the glory of God afterwards shone so much the more illustriously out of this darkness, when, in the third century from that time, he wonderfully led them forth, a mighty nation.

To be published April 01

Brilliant new book out now. Published on Cilla.

Quite the best thing I've ever done. Out tomorrow.

Weekly Proverb 02

Haughtiness brings shame, humility makes shrewd

Prov 11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom
Proverbs urges both outward and inward righteousness. Cf 3:34, 35 God mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble. The wise inherit honour, but fools he holds up to shame. Also 16:18, 19; 18:12.
The word for pride here is from the idea of boiling up and refers to arrogant, presumptuous people who must have their own way. Examples are legion – the Babel builders (Ge 10), Pharaoh (Ex 1-12), Miriam (No 12), Haman (Es 5-7), Nebuchadnezzar (Da 4.30), Herod Agrippa (Ac 12). All knew disgrace due to pride. One of Saul's last acts before Samuel announced his rejection was erecting a monument to himself (1 Sa 15:12). Pride brought about Satan's fall and man's. God resists the proud and shames them – if not in this life then in that to come.
The word for humility is rare, found only here and in Mi 6:8 … walk humbly with your God.
Pride leads to disgrace (shame), humility to wisdom. The sequence implied is:
1. Pride leads to folly, folly to disgrace

2. Humility leads to wisdom, wisdom to honour
A rabbinic paraphrase says ‘Humble souls become full of wisdom just as low lying places become full of water.’ Guard especially against religious pride. Jesus' parable of the Pharisee and tax collector (Lk 18) teaches that everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Lk 14 warns against taking the place of honour at a wedding feast and perhaps being humiliated when someone else claims it. Rather, take the lowest place. Jesus himself washed his disciples’ feet and is the supreme example of such wisdom. That is why his honour is so great. Cf Php 2.