It's a question that's been nagging you, and then all of a sudden you have a revelation of the answer!
Got it this morning!
We all have to come to the point that we understand that we are a wretch before we can surrender all!
It was easy for me to "know" I was wretched. I have half jokingly said, in my Testimony, "the only thing I hadn't done was commit murder or rob a bank"; I was that bad! It was easy for me to admit I had done nothing to deserve my salvation! I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt, it was a gift from God, because I truly deserved to burn in hell!
But what about the good church goer, who has always tried to do right? The prodigal's brother so to speak!
We all sing: "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me!" But is there a "knowing" in everyone's heart of his wretchedness? I don't think so.
What does it take for one to come to the realization that he brings nothing to the table?
The Bible states it many times;
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us,” Titus 3:5a KJV
“There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.” Proverbs 30:12 KJV
Wretchedness is totally different. It's coming to the end of yourself! And it levels the playing field. We realize none are good.
“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:”
Romans 3:10 KJV
We the "wretched" understand that we are all clay and are content to be a lump; usable by the Master Potter. Until we get to that point we will be trying to tell Him how best to use us.
“Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?” Romans 9:21 KJV
We will only choose to be a "vessel of honor", whereas a wretch, as a true lump - we know we have no say and are content to just be molded by His hands.
“Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Luke 18:10-14 KJV
The wretch knows he’s a sinner. He owns his sin and is repentant. He KNOWS he NEEDS a Savior!
“Humbling” yourself is not a matter of posture. Someone said “It’s not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” It has nothing to do with self esteem.
It’s all about Him.
It comes down to submission. You are not submitted when you are still intent on calling all of the shots; when you only consult God when everything goes wrong; or when you think you know best on how to run your life.
“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” James 4:6 KJV
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:7-10 KJV
If you refuse to humble yourself, He will humble you.
He is God and we are not.
Repent while there is still time and ask God to reveal your wretchedness!
Then you can sing “Amazing Grace!”
Even so - MARANATHA!
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