Thursday, February 5, 2015

GOD Exalts Beggars To The Status Of "Beloved Children."

What an amazing stoop of love is that!
(Arthur Pink, 1952)

"HE raises the poor from the dust and 

lifts the beggar from the dunghill--
to set them among princes, and to 
make them inherit the throne of glory!" 
1 Samuel 2:8

What an amazing stoop of love is that--
from HIS throne in the Heaven 
of heavens, the LORD reaches 
down to the dunghills of earth--
that HE may deliver those who 
are in a lost and loathsome estate!

But this verse tells us of something 
yet more wonderful than the grace 
which seeks out filthy objects 
who are a mass of corruption--
making known how high 
it elevates them: 

"To set them among princes, and to 
make them inherit the throne of glory."

GOD does nothing by halves
HE exalts beggars to the status 
of "beloved children." 

HE takes them into the place of 
nearness unto HIMSELF. HE brings 
them into union with HIS dear SON, 
making them 

"heirs of GOD, and joint-heirs 
with CHRIST!" (Romans 8:17). 

HE takes them out of the miry 

clay of an unregenerate state--
and sets them upon the rock. 
Marvelous transition and 
exaltation is that! 

Translated from the most 
abject condition--
to the highest possible dignity!


Shame is replaced by the highest honor;
filthy rags are replaced by the spotless 

robe of righteousness, poverty is replaced 
by the unsearchable riches of CHRIST!

We rightly marvel at the goodness 
and 
power of GOD in raising poor beggars 
from such depths to such heights--
but let us also be awed and solemnized 
by recalling afresh the dreadful price 
which had to be paid before that could 
righteously be done. 

The abasement of the SON of GOD 
was necessary--
in order to the advancement of vile 
worms of the earth. HE who was rich 
had to sound the lowest level of poverty--
before we could be made rich. 

The Beloved of the FATHER had 
to be made an object of shame--
before we could be raised. 
The LORD of glory must die--
in order for Hell-deserving 
sinners to be made alive!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

GraceGems has published J.R. Miller's helpful short article, 
"The Secret of Gladness".

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