Chosen to be ExaltedSpeaker: Dr. Paul Dhinakaran Gist: The Lord raises the poor and lowly, places them on high and makes them to sit with the kings and the princes. He never forsakes those who trust Him because He cares for them. He always chooses the lowly and the humble. "God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are." (1 Corinthians 1:27,28)
"Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?" (1 Corinthians 1:20)
Our Gracious Lord says, "I delight in choosing the foolish and the weak things, the base things of the world which are worthless, to enrich them with My power and exalt them."
"He raises the poor out of the dust, and lifts the needy out of the ash heap." (Psalm 113:7)
See how great and mighty is our Lord God! He is all powerful in His words and deeds. He is the Lord of great and wonderful miracles. He is the Lord of heaven and earth. He has the great and glorious power in His hand to raise anyone whom He wants. That is why Lord Jesus said, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18).
Dear friend, very often we get depressed, thinking, "Alas! I am so weak and tired. I am worthless. I am unwanted by all. My teacher calls me a fool and a good for nothing. My boss shouts saying that he would not have appointed me if he knew how useless I would be. I am hated by all my colleagues. I am despised by my relatives." Very often we are put to shame by others in so many different ways. But our gracious Lord God tells us lovingly, "My child, do not be dismayed. All power is in my hand. The world may call you a fool. But I will raise you in this world to put to shame the wise." Let not your heart be troubled!
When the learned scribes and Pharisees questioned Jesus with various Scriptural truths, Jesus boldly said, "You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God" (Matthew 22:29; Mark 12:24).
Today, how can we confound the wise? How can we be strengthened in the Lord? How can we make all the blessings of God enrich our barren and empty lives? Let us think it over.
All over the world, people are running about seeking wealth, power, fame and dignity. We see many division and discord among people, selfishness, jealousy and over-ambitiousness everywhere which leads to litigation in the courts of law.
I once read an amusing story. A bee was much distressed because everyone took honey from its hive. It went to the Lord God to lodge a complaint about this matter. Before leaving its hive, the bee took some honey and went to God. The bee offered the honey to the Lord to gladden His heart before mentioning its distress to Him. The Lord commented that the honey was indeed very sweet and tasty and then asked the bee what it wanted. The bee asked the Lord, "Everyone takes honey from my hive. Is it fair, my Lord?" The Lord admitted that it was unfair. Then the bee said to Him, "Lord, You should give me a sting so strong and powerful that anyone I hurt with it will fall dead on the spot." The Lord said that He will grant the bee's wish, and He said to the bee, "Anyone whom you hurt with this sting will fall dead on the spot. But when the poison is emitted from you, you too will die."
Dear friend, in the same way, all earthly power, strength and wisdom will recoil and consume us in the end. They will make our lives miserable. But our Lord God wishes to exalt you above these earthly powers when you trust Him. He will lift you up from your lowliness and will place you on a high position. He will grant you the grace to overcome the shame that others put you to, and He will fill you with His divine wisdom. He will use you as a chosen instrument to put to shame the wise, the proud and haughty people. He will exalt you and will make you a great blessing to others. He will use you for the glory of His mighty name.
Prayer:
Loving Heavenly Father,
Many a time, I am put to shame by many people. I am so distressed and depressed, unable to bear the shame. Lord, lift me up from shame and lowliness. Grant me Your grace to shine before everyone and win over those who make my life miserable through Your wisdom. Make me a chosen vessel and use me for Your glory. I make this prayer through Christ, my Saviour.
Amen. |