“Behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” Judges 6:15
Dear Ones:
Christianity is diametrically opposed to humanism. It has been said that God cannot use many men today because they are too big. Why is it that, as Paul wrote, “….God has chosen the foolish things or the world,…the weak things of the world, …the lowly and despised things of the world, through which to accomplish His designs and purposes? There is basically one reason, so that, “…no flesh should glory in His presence.” (1 Cor. 1:29) In the book of Isaiah, the Lord declares very clearly: “…I will not give My glory unto another.” (48:11) What does this mean, and why is it such a fundamental premise and foundational truth of Christianity? It is because He is the only true God. He declares this in Isaiah 44:8: “Is there a God beside me? Yes, there is NO God; I know not any.” He goes on to say, “…I am He; I am the first, I also am the last.” (48:12) Since the “glory” of God is the revelation, or the manifestation, of the character and nature of God, it is perfectly understandable that man, as a creation of God, cannot in truth say that the “glory” is his. With regard to redemption, and the purchase of the soul, which Christ effected on the Cross, man cannot touch His work, or any manifestation of His personal revelation. It is His and His alone. God the Father conceived the plan of redemption, and by Jesus Christ it was accomplished. This is why the apostle Paul wrote: “But of Him (God the Father) are you IN Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.” The entire work of creation, and redemption, has its origin, essence, and accomplishment in God, in Christ, by the Spirit. It is for this reason that Paul concludes this thought by writing: “…according as it is written, ‘He that glories, let him glory in the Lord.'” (1 Cor. 1:30)
So, in light of the revelation of God, and the work of redemption, why then does God choose the weak and the foolish in the eyes of the world, to accomplish His work and purposes? It is because by their consciousness of need, and the knowledge that they can go to God to receive all from Him, that they become candidates of His greatness. It is as they depend wholly upon Him, and walk by faith in Christ as their life, that they are recipients of the grace and mercy of God. They KNOW that they need to receive all from Him in a very specific, and personal manner. They also are THANKFUL, as they find God faithful in giving to them that which they need to glorify Him. And thirdly, they are faithful CUSTODIANS of God’s glory, praising and thanking Him before the world, that others might also truly come to know Him. There is no doubt that those who feel most keenly their need of Christ, are in a disposition of heart to receive all from Him, giving Him the glory.
When Gideon was called of God to save Israel from the hands of the Midianites, he felt very keenly his weakness, and lack of resources, by saying, “….my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” (Judges 6:15) When Jeremiah was called of God to be a prophet in Israel, he responded by saying to the Lord: “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child,” (Jeremiah 1:6) to which the Lord responded: “Say not, I am a child, for you shall to go all that I shall send you, and whatsoever I command you, you shall speak.” (v.7) The Lord had to bring the Apostle Paul to that place in heart and mind to see his total dependence upon God, and commitment to obey Him. The Lord would tell Paul: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:9) All glory belongs to God, and to Him alone.
Dear Father, Open our eyes to see our need, Thy sufficiency, for Thy unique glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad