PAUPERS, PRINCES AND PRAISES

That “some have greatness thrust upon them” is one of our favourite stories from childhood—the sudden rise to fame and fortune of the nobody. But no human fiction can be more amazing than the reality of divine salvation. Psalm 113 reminds us that God has not only condescended to involve Himself with His creatures, v. 6, but has also raised up the lowly to a position of stupendous dignity, vv. 7, 8. “But God hath chosen the foolish … the weak things of the world”, 1 Cor. 1. 26, 27.

Unquestionably we were poor, for our spiritual bankruptcy before God is spelled out clearly in the Lord’s parables, Luke 7. 41, 42. The dust was our natural element, speaking eloquently both of human frailty, Eccl. 12. 7, and of the dirtiness of the sin which clogs our steps from birth, Psa. 51. 5. We do not need a handbook about ancient Israel to understand that the dunghill, Psa. 113. 7, is a striking metaphor for utter degradation and shame, Lam. 4. 5. If only we saw sin as God sees it, in all its ugly defilement, and smelt the stench of its corruption! In the light of heaven, unregenerate man is nothing but “wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores”, Isa. 1. 6. But from such depths we have been plucked, and raised to even greater heights of blessing, Psa. 113. 7-9, for paupers have been made princes. Paul’s case is especially noteworthy, Eph. 3. 8.

What, then, have we become? Princes are noted for their prosperity, and none are wealthier than those in the royal family of heaven, sharing in the riches of God’s mercy, Eph. 2. 4; grace, 2. 7; and glory, 1. 18. Besides those we enjoy now, there are infinite blessings in store, far beyond our comprehension, 1 Cor. 2. 9, 10. No wonder the psalmist says of the believer, “wealth and riches shall be in his house”, Psa. 112. 3. Further, we possess a power unknown to the natural man, for every saint is, from the very instant of conversion, indwelt by the Holy Spirit whose divine energy enables him to speak and live for the Saviour, Acts 1. 8. And finally, as sons of God, we have the privilege of access into His throne-room to solicit His help in time of need, Heb. 4. 16. Is that not a good reason for praise?

“Blessed … with all spiritual blessings”, Eph. 1. 3.