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Our God "Humbles Himself"
A while back some news agencies carried a story about the temperamental
tirades of a British pop star. One of these tantrums received special
scrutiny due to the magnitude of the outburst. Though he had contracted
himself to appear at a particular gala, it was apparent the singer
didn’t want to be there. He didn’t like the service backstage. The
dressing room was inadequate, so he threw a fit. He spoke
condescendingly toward all the staff -- mere ‘peasants‘ they were.
Everyone was beneath him. And when the event was over he blew up,
cursing at some officials who had unwittingly blocked the route of his
limousine that had been scheduled to whisk him away. It was quite
evident that this individual had become ‘too famous’ to be received with
anything less than royal treatment. To him, no one else mattered.
Perhaps you are now expecting some words about humility, for this
individual surely lacked it. Well, it truly is tragic when men forget
who they are, nothing “but dust and ashes” (Genesis 18:27).
However, picture in contrast the One who is truly “high”
and “mighty,” and listen to the words of the 113th Psalm:
“The LORD is high above all nations,
And His glory above the heavens.
Who is like the LORD our God,
Who dwells on high,
Who humbles Himself to behold
The things that are in the heavens and in the earth?
He raises the poor out of the dust,
And lifts the needy out of the ash heap,
That He may seat him with princes--
With the princes of His people.
He grants the barren woman a home,
Like a joyful mother of children.” (vss. 4-9)
We do NOT comprehend the greatness of our God! “Who is like”
Him, indeed! He is THE all-powerful LORD who created us, this world,
this universe -- all of it! (Including that pop ’star’ -- and you and
me.) He “dwells on high.”
Yet this one who is so “high” “humbles Himself” to
take note of us, His creation. But He does more than merely acknowledge
us. “He raises the poor... lifts the needy”... He looks down and
aids a homeless, childless woman. His care is personal. He is not too
busy, too ‘self-absorbed’ to be ’bothered’ with us. He cares.
Why would such a God care so much for us? There is only one
answer: He loves us. And we may not understand why He does, but He does.
How can we not serve such a God? How can we not love Him in
return? How can we not praise Him?
Why not read the entire 113th Psalm, now? It will do you great
good.
And while you’re at it, why not resolve now to imitate your
heavenly Father by acknowledging and responding to those who desperately
need your care?
--Mike Noble
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