Jason Silver

Saturday, November 21st, 2020

God's Power is Different

"Yes, sir, pleased to meet you sir; may I have your autograph, please?"

Have you ever been in the presence of a prestigious person? How did it make you feel? There have been a few times when I've met someone of prominence, and I have had occasion to speak with a celebrity once or twice. My voice tends to get shaky, my palms get sweaty, and I might even find myself fighting a feeling of jealousy.

I know I'm not alone! Our world is fixated on wealth, fame, and power. We see these traits all around us. These three values seep into everything in society! Those who have money, those who have renown, and those who have control, are often given the best opportunities, and the most resources! And those who don't have these three things are often driven to acquire it for themselves.

As common folk, we can find ourselves envying these types of people, and even wishing that we had more cash, and more acclaim! We may find ourselves disregarding those who are lowly and unimportant. We perhaps act like we don't notice the man sleeping on the street, or the woman living from other people's generosity.

In psalm 113, the lyricist contrasts God against the natural way of the world. He says,"Who is like the Lord our God? Who is seated on high, who looks far down on the heavens and the earth?" He is higher in oversight that the most prestigious among us!

But unlike us, his domination doesn't separate him from the lowliest of people. As it says in verse 7, "He raises the poor from the dust! He lifts up the needy from the ash heap, and sits them down with princes!" God even turns the barren woman into a joyous mother!

This gives me a reason to praise! Our God is so loving, so deserving of our worship! He turns our world on its head!

May he be praised from this time on and forevermore!

Amen