Yeshua calls us to “follow after” Him. Among other things, that means to be “conformed to His image” (Romans 8:29). We become like Him as our divine image from creation in Adam is restored to us (Genesis 1:26).
Being conformed to His image is a lifelong process with high and low points. Through it all we are called to walk in deep humility and ultimately to be glorified with Him as other “sons” to our heavenly Father (Hebrews 2:10).
When I think of cross-like humility, I think of “worm” identity:
“I am a worm and not a person, the disgrace of man and despised of the people” (Psalm 22:6)
וְאָנֹכִי תֹולַעַת וְלֹא־אִישׁ חֶרְפַּת אָדָם וּבְזוּי עָם
Psalm 22 is well-known as a prophetic image of the Messiah crucified – describing the greatest moment of sacrificial love and faith in history. The expression, “I am a worm,” is a spiritual reflection of how Yeshua would have felt as the weakest and lowliest of creatures.
Often when we have lowly feelings, we think we are missing God. David felt so low on a personal level that he could only compare himself to a worm. Yet this is in fact an exhortation reminding us to walk faithfully in praise and obedience, even amidst severe humiliation and rejection
This might sound depressing. However, our miserable experiences may later be seen as positive from the perspective of eternity. Feeling good is not actually the measure of spirituality and true godliness. We are to have victorious faith, but that is not the same thing as “selfconfidence.” A moment of eternal victory can have the immediate, temporary feeling of “being a worm.”
At times of lowliness, we should yield ourselves to the Lord. Remember, Joseph was in a dungeon in Egypt until he was suddenly raised up. We can only be raised up high to the degree we trust God in the low times.
Another important consideration is that when everything is going well, we tend to forget God; and when we are going through difficulty, we cling ever more closely to Him. That’s the secret: not the high place or the low place, but the intimacy with God. Since we can be just as close to God in lowly times as high times, we should receive them with equanimity. Whether high or low, in need or in plenty, in comfort or attack, our desire is to share the experience with the Lord (Philippians 4:12). That is our measure of victory.
Many of the early disciples were crucified by evil people to mock their faith. Yet they considered it an honor and privilege to share Yeshua’s experience (John 21:18). That’s being “more than a conqueror” (Romans 8:37). The word tola’at (worm) throughout Scripture can also refer to the color scarlet or crimson. This type of worm would produce a beautiful deep-red dye used in the priests’ garment and the tabernacle weaving. Is there a metaphorical lesson for us in the lowly position of the worm that becomes the glorious color of the priesthood?
This imagery also brings to mind the caterpillar. It begins as a lowly worm-like being. Then it goes into a semideath stage in the cocoon. Finally, it is transformed into a beautiful butterfly, fluttering in the sky. Likewise, we humble ourselves, join with Yeshua in His death, and receive the promise of resurrection.
God is so good and so powerful. Even during the worst worm-like experiences, we can embrace the situation, and let God raise us from the lowliest to the highest. You may feel like a worm, but let God transform the worm into dazzling glory.
