Do we every get smug in our Christian faith and behaviors? Some people presume to be near perfect in how they follow God and live their life in the Church and thus look down upon others. No doubt Shebna thought so. The prophet reminds us that the LORD is looking for a father for the people. He is looking for a just and honest judge for the people. How often do we judge people not actions? Do we provide true honor for our family or consider such to be an archaic line of thinking?
Paul reminds us that while we think we are pretty smart and full of knowledge as he asks us “For who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been his counselor? Or who has given the Lord anything that he may be repaid?” Even the faith we have been given, or our capacity to do good things, come from God. Without his grace, we can be and accomplish nothing. Even our capacity to call Jesus “the Christ, the Son of the living God” as Peter did requires the gift of faith given by God.
Jesus affirms this when he says, “For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.” Without God’s grace we ourselves cannot be a rock, cannot be someone upon whom others can stand as they strive to reach out to God. We need to be humble recognizing that to proclaim Jesus is Lord is not of our own doing, but a capacity given to us by God’s spirit dwelling within us. Like Paul, we have no cause for boasting. But we do have cause for rejoicing and thanking God for the grace to know him and love him and serve him as we serve others.
Countenance of God 