David records for us in both 2 Sam. 22:31-37 and Ps. 18:30-36 that besides giving us His shield of protection, arming us with strength, training our hands for battle, and broadening the path beneath us to keep us twisting our ankles, God “stoops down” to make us great. What? ~~‘Big God’ stoops down to help, to strengthen, and to direct, to make ‘little us’ great?
“Stoops” actually means gentleness; clemency (mercy/compassion); humility; help. In essence, our author is acknowledging that it is though God’s gentle and compassionate help that he, David, experiences greatness.
God is great: “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom.” Ps.145:3
God made Samson great: “Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power. He went down to Ashkelon, struck down thirty of their men, stripped them of their belongings and gave their clothes to those who had explained the riddle.” Jdg.14:19
God made Joshua great: “So the Lord was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout the land.” Josh.6:27
God made Saul great: “The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person. Once these signs are fulfilled, do whatever your hand finds to do, for God is with you.” 1 Sam. 10:6-7
God made David great: “In everything David did he had great success, because the Lord was with him. 1Sam. 18:14
God made Jesus great: “But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end...” Lk. 1:30-35
God makes us great: “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory.” Eph. 3:20-21 (This same power that raised Christ from the dead! Eph. 1:19-20) ~~And Jesus tells us that the Spirit “will guide you into all truth. He will not be presenting His own ideas; He will be telling you what He has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring Me glory by revealing to you whatever He receives from Me.” Eph. 16:13-14
Why? Why would ‘Big God’ make ‘little us’ great? We’re told in the above verses...to bring HIMSELF glory.
Yet today, as with the disciples, ‘exaltation of self’ mentality sadly abounds: “And they began to argue among themselves as to who would be the greatest in the coming Kingdom.” Lk. 22:24 Oh, if only we will begin to comprehend the divine power that resides within us, and learn to pray and to rest in this power, rather than being so intent on making a name for ourselves. Confession: We Cleary folk have had to learn this principle the hard way...but in our “older age” at least we are learning. ~~And watching God at work in and through us, rather than us striving in our own strength, is just the coolest thing!
Yes, we live in complicated days, and they will only get more difficult until Jesus’ return. But check out this promise: "But then the court will pass judgment, and all his power (the antichrist's) will be taken away and completely destroyed. Then the sovereignty, power, and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be given to the holy people of the Most High (us). They will rule forever, and all rulers will serve and obey them." Dan. 7:26-27 Wow. Now this is greatness!!
Let’s serve Him with 100% devotion this week...He is so very worthy.
God bless you!Shaun and Betsy
