Dear Ones:
It is a difficult thing for a man made from the dust of the earth, with the influence, even the dominance of sin, to grasp something of his littleness, hopelessness, and helplessness. Much greater is the difficulty in grasping something of the Divine, especially as it pertains to the wisdom and knowledge of God. Scripture tells us that we are like the dust of the earth, the flower of the field, even “worms.” Why is such knowledge of our lowliness so imperative? It is because of the fact that the proud man God knows afar off. He resisteth the proud, and gives grace to the humble. Who is the proud man but the one who has a bloated, elevated opinion, concept of himself. How shall we be absolutely dependent upon our Maker and Redeemer unless we see ourselves as we are? We have no need of God if we see ourselves “gods,” elevated, sovereign humans, who “have it all together,” and are in need of nothing.
Imperative as it must be for us to see ourselves as are with regard to creation, it is equally, and perhaps of greater import, to see and to grasp what we are IN CHRIST, what we are by redemption. In coming to grips with the truths concerning our union with Christ, we immediately discover that God gives us “beauty for ashes,” a “hope that will endure,” and a standing before God that is irreproachable, and complete. We have been clothed with the perfect righteousness of the perfect man, Christ Jesus. The holy character of His righteousness and beauty have been made our own. He has elevated us, not only to be His servants, but to be His sons (and daughters). We still live on this earth with feet of clay, and nothing can change that realty and the limitations that are so prevalent, but, what is most extraordinary, is that in the eyes of God, by the work of Christ, we have been raised up with Him and are at this very moment SEATED in heavenly places IN HIM, complete in Him. The flower of the field, and the dust of the earth, in all of its littleness, and fragility, have been elevated to partake of the very life of Christ. This is one reason why the apostle tells us to “put off the old man, ” that man of old who was characterized by sin, selfishness, and godlessness. More than just littleness, we are called to grasp God’s perspective concerning our sinfulness, and Christ’s dealing with it on the cross. BY FAITH, we are to “PUT ON the Lord Jesus Christ,” who IS our life…eternal life. What an elevation from the “dust!”
Where is the balance in considering these concepts? It is found in simply walking by faith IN SOMEONE, in the Lord Jesus Christ. “Life reduced to fellowship with Christ, makes the complicated simple.” Our littleness, sinfulness, is swallowed up in the wonder, goodness, and the sufficiency of Christ. What a gospel!! What a declaration, and proclamation of the utter uniqueness of God. It is as the Apostle so eloquently wrote: “O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgements, and His ways past finding out.” (Romans 11:33)
Dear Father, open our eyes to see the wonder of Thyself. And so work in our hearts that Thy goodness and mercy, in all of its wisdom and knowledge, will be revealed in us as we walk with Thee. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad