To God be the Glory!
1Corinthians 1:26-29 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: [27] But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; [28] And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: [29] That no flesh should glory in his presence.
I was recently watching a video on Judaea produced by “Day of Discovery”. In it they visited places of historic interest; places where Biblical events occurred; all within the boundaries of the “Land flowing with milk and honey.” As I watched the video, I was struck by the barrenness of the land.
It was then I heard a soft whisper in my spirit: “It’s the presence of the Spirit of God that makes something or someone fruitful and productive – not the object or person.”
This land; the Holy Land; God’s land; now lies in ruins and barrenness – but can “blossom as the rose” in a moment when touched anew by the creator.
As I mused and thought on these things, I realized that this is the way the Lord works – “that no flesh should glory in His presence,” All along the way it must be God and Him alone. We are so prone to claim credit for the things we do and say.
Here are some examples of God choosing things and people of no consequence so that His glory may shine forth:
- The burning bush in the wilderness. Not some great tree, but a scrubby desert bush that would normally hardly draw any attention. Someone said: “If God is in the bush, any old bush will do.”
- Moses was chosen to deliver Israel – a man who was “slow of speech” and needed his brother to speak for him.
- Samson, who I believe was a wimp of a man, needed his parents to approach the parents of a girl he loved and ask for her hand. Yet, when the Spirit of God came on him, he was un-defeatable. He achieved physically what no mortal could achieve under normal circumstances.
- David was chosen to be the future king of Israel; a mere shepherd-boy not considered important by his family when visited by the prophet Samuel.
- The disciples of Jesus were the lower-class people of the day – unschooled Galileans. This nondescript, fearful, Christ denying, doubting, self ambitious group received the mighty baptism of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost – and “turned the world upside down.” They weren’t great preachers or theologians, but “nobodies” in the hands of the Almighty God.
There are numerous other instances – but these few demonstrate what we are talking about.
I heard a saying once that is applicable to our meditation: “You cannot be too small for God to use, but you can be too big.”
Are you trying to be “too big” and wondered why the visions and dreams of your heart have never become reality? God’s glory is not shared. When He is present in our lives, people will be drawn to Him and not to ourselves. When Moses came down from the mount after spending an extended time in his presence and receiving the law; his face glistened with the glory of God – caused fear in the hearts of the people.
Do you want people to be “wowed” by your presentation or by He who is present in your life? Only Christ uplifted will draw men and women to the Saviour.
The watchword of Evan Roberts of Wales who was mightily used of God in that revival was: “Bend the church and save the world.”
There was a song we sang many years ago:
If you want to know the power of God,
Get down at Jesus’ feet.
If you want His nearness every hour,
Get down at Jesus’ feet
Get down sinner, get down saint,
Get down at Jesus’ feet.
Get down brother, get down sister,
Get down at Jesus’ feet.
Apostle Peter said:
1Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time;
Have you become “too big” for God to use?
Peter Crause
This is not copyrighted and may be freely used and distributed.
e-mail: crause.pd@shaw.ca
