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Transformed By Truth: The Majesty And Humility Of God Psalm 138:6 Series
Contributed by Dean Courtier on May 30, 2024 (message contributor)
Summary: Psalm 138:6 is a verse that encapsulates the paradox of God’s majesty and humility. Our focus is on understanding how the grandeur of God coexists with His closeness to the humble.
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Transformed by Truth: The Majesty and Humility of God Psalm 138:6
Introduction
Today, we dive into the rich and profound depths of Psalm 138:6, a verse that encapsulates the paradox of God’s majesty and humility. Our focus is on understanding how the grandeur of God coexists with His closeness to the humble.
Psalm 138:6 (NLT): "Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud."
This verse offers three key insights that we will explore: the greatness of God, His care for the humble, and His distance from the proud. Each point reveals an aspect of God's character and our call to respond to His truth.
Point 1: The Greatness of God
The first part of Psalm 138:6 states, "Though the Lord is great." This phrase emphasizes the majesty and supremacy of God. His greatness is evident throughout Scripture and creation.
Psalm 145:3 (NLT): "Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness."
This verse underscores the boundless nature of God’s greatness. It is beyond human comprehension and is a fundamental aspect of His character.
This verse highlights the immeasurable greatness of God. It calls believers to recognize and praise God's infinite power and majesty. The greatness of the Lord is beyond human understanding, emphasizing that our worship should reflect His unparalleled nature.
Charles Spurgeon wrote, "There is no end to the discovery of the greatness of God, it is an unsearchable abyss."
Let this verse remind us to always approach God with reverence and awe, praising Him for His greatness in our daily lives.
Isaiah 40:28 (NLT): "Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding."
Isaiah highlights God’s eternal and infinite nature, reinforcing His unparalleled greatness.
Consider the vastness of the universe. Astronomers estimate that there are over 100 billion galaxies, each containing millions or billions of stars. The sheer scale of creation points to a Creator whose greatness surpasses our wildest imagination.
A.W. Tozer stated, "God is infinite. Beyond the grasp of human reason, He encompasses all things."
Trust in God's everlasting strength and wisdom, especially in times of personal weakness and doubt.
This verse reassures believers of God's eternal existence and unending power. It contrasts human frailty with God's infinite strength and wisdom. God, as the Creator, is omnipotent and omniscient, never experiencing fatigue or limitations.
A.W. Tozer also once said, "God is looking for people through whom He can do the impossible—what a pity we plan only the things we can do by ourselves." Recognizing God's greatness expands our vision and faith.
Reflect on God's greatness in your life. Acknowledge His supremacy in your prayers and daily living. Let His greatness inspire awe and reverence.
Point 2: God’s Care for the Humble
The second part of Psalm 138:6 reveals, "He cares for the humble." Despite His greatness, God’s heart is drawn to those who are humble.
Isaiah 66:2 (NLT): "My hands have made both heaven and earth; they and everything in them are mine. I, the Lord, have spoken! I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word."
God’s favour rests on the humble, those who recognize their need for Him and live in reverence of His Word.
This verse emphasizes God's sovereignty as Creator and His preference for humility. God values those who approach Him with humility and reverence, acknowledging their dependence on Him.
John Piper reminds us, "God delights in humility because it acknowledges the truth of our dependence on Him."
Cultivate a humble and contrite heart, trembling at God's word and acknowledging His supremacy in all things.
James 4:6 (NLT): "And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'"
James reiterates that humility attracts God’s grace, a divine favour that empowers and sustains us. James quotes Proverbs 3:34, highlighting a key principle in Christian living: God's opposition to pride and His favour towards humility. This reinforces the importance of humility in receiving God's grace.
Think of a parent who kneels to embrace their child. Despite their authority, the parent’s action signifies love, care, and a desire to connect. Similarly, God’s greatness does not hinder His ability to draw close to the humble.
C.S. Lewis wrote, "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less." True humility shifts our focus from self to God and others.
Cultivate humility in your life. Seek to serve others and prioritize their needs. Embrace a posture of dependence on God, knowing that He delights in caring for the humble.
Seek humility in all interactions, understanding that grace flows abundantly to those who are humble.