As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. Psalm 103:13-14
Does anyone remember when you were a child, having done something wrong, how fearful you might have been? Expecting your father or mother to be upset with you, and hand down a punishment suited for the situation. Well, instead perhaps you were shown compassionate love and the reassurance of understanding from a loving father or mother. You see where I’m going with this. God our Father, unlike the pagan gods who were apathetic or hostile during David’s days of writing this psalm, is a loving God who shows mercy and grace towards those who reverence Him. And secondly, He pities us, just like a father pities his children. Why? You may ask is God different than other gods? He knows are frame, He remembers that we are but dust. This body of mine, older and more creakier, is made out of the dust of the earth, and God remembers that. Man has a tendency to magnify his body. Everyone has been exposed to the multibillion dollar industry of advertising all of the latest “stay young looking products” out on the market today. We have come into a body worship culture, from body builders weight training, to fashion models showing their tiny waist figures on display. All of these efforts to make oneself look good, and then of course, have everybody else see me look good too. I’m not advocating not taking care of yourself, good health and nutrition is truly a blessing and a way of honoring the Lord. But just know that God remembers us as dust from which He created man from: And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being (Genesis 2:7). Many of the words used in this account of the creation of man picture a Master Craftsman at work shaping a work of art to which he gives life to. Made from dirt, a man’s value is not in the physical components that form his body, but in the quality of life which forms his soul, The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life (Job 33:4).
Now fast forward to the New Testament, the apostle Paul writes to the Corinthian believers, But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not us (2 Corinthians 4:7). The Greek word for “earthen vessels,” means “baked clay,” and refers to clay pots. They were cheap, breakable, and replaceable, but they served necessary household functions. Sometimes they were used to store valuables, such as money, jewelry, or important documents. But they were most used for holding garbage, or human waste. The latter is the use Paul had in mind, and it was how Paul viewed himself—as lowly and common, expendable, and replaceable as you can get. Which means God doesn’t really expect much out of me as I expect out of myself. Which explains why I so often get so upset with myself and in disappointment often cry out, “Oh I thought I could handle this, or I expect more of myself, because I study the Word of God, and that automatically makes me so perfect! Nothing could be further from the truth. “Oh God, I am so sorry to disappoint You!” He says, “You didn’t disappoint Me. I knew what you are capable of, I formed you from the dust of the earth.” God knows me better than I know myself. So by using frail and expendable people, God makes it clear that salvation is His gift to us, and that it is a result of His power and not of any effort from us.
Beloved friend, Have you ever been to an art museum where their most prized work of art is on display? You don’t see neon lights all around it, or see it in the most ornate picture frame, why is that? That’s because it will take away from the beauty of the artwork. God has chosen to take the most glorious treasures that any . . . well, it is the most glorious treasure any man can possess. Which is the light and knowledge and the understanding of Jesus Christ. The most valuable possession a man can attain in this life, in this world is eternal life through Jesus Christ. For the Bible says, “For what will it profit a man, if he would gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? What then can a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:36-37) But why does God choose me, or you to have Himself be shown in us? So that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. This power can be best displayed through our brokeness. The ordinary person, who has come to the end of themselves, and has committed their lives to Christ. It’s His Holy Spirit empowering us to show others the life and love of Jesus Christ to this lost and dying world. Remember, wherever you go today, Jesus is to be on display in you. May that give you that extra-step of grace and peace that you need for a glorious day in Christ.
May the Lord bless your walk with Him today!
