Our Condescending God
Posted by: forthrightmag <forthrightmag@...>
http://www.forthright.net
Going straight to the Cross
It's a red-letter day when a Big Name takes notice
of the little guy.
Our Condescending God
by Tim Hall
When my wife and I lived in Madison, Wisconsin,
Elvis Presley came to town for a concert. A major
story involving "The King of Rock and Roll"
developed as Elvis rode into town in his
limousine. It seems he spotted two men fighting by
the side of the road. Elvis ordered his chauffeur
to stop the car, then got out and broke up the
fight. Can you imagine that? Elvis Presley, icon
of rock music, getting involved in the problems of
two "common" people? The city was all in a buzz
over the story.
What Elvis did was admirable. But what God does on
a daily basis is far more marvelous. Here's how
the psalmist described it in Psalm 113:4-9:
"The Lord is high above all nations, and His glory
above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God,
who dwells on high, who humbles Himself to behold
the things that are in the heavens and in the
earth? He raises the poor out of the dust, and
lifts the needy out of the ash heap, that He may
seat him with princes -- with the princes of His
people. He grants the barren woman a home, like a
joyful mother of children" (New King James
Version).
There are many reasons to praise God. He is
powerful above all others. His wisdom knows all
things, even the hidden thoughts of the heart. He
can see the future and remembers all things of the
past. But one of the most amazing facts about this
awesome God is that He stoops to our level. He
bends low to the earth to help those who are
"common."
We don't find that very often in the world around
us. That's what made the story about Elvis so
fascinating. Celebrities usually brush off those
who clamor about them, refusing even to give
autographs. But God brushes off no one. He looks
upon our conditions of need. He feels for us in
our pain and suffering. He longs to lift us out of
the dust and ashes.
What a wonderful God we serve! He is worthy of all
the praise we can offer to Him. Praise His holy
name!