I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the Lord. (Zephaniah 3:12)
When true religion is ready to die out among the wealthy it finds a home among the poor of this world, rich in faith. The Lord has even now His faithful remnant. Am I one of them?
Perhaps it is because men are afflicted and poor that they learn to trust in the name of the Lord. He that hath no money must try what he can do on trust. He whose own name is good for nothing in his own esteem, acts wisely to rest in another name, even that best of names, the name of Jehovah. God wilt always have a trusting people, and these will be an afflicted and poor people. Little as the world thinks of them, their being left in the midst of a nation is the channel of untold blessings to it. Here we have the conserving salt which keeps in check the corruption which is in the world through lust.
Again the question comes home to each one of us. Am I one of them? Am I afflicted by the sin within me and around me? Am I poor in spirit, poor spiritually in my own judgment? Do I trust in the Lord? This is the main business. Jesus reveals the name, the character, the person of God; am I trusting in Him? If so, I am left in this world for a purpose. Lord, help me to fulfill it. – C.H. Spurgeon
June 9, 2007 at 11:04 am
The Lord’s name is different than a man’s name both in meaning and essence. We are given a name for recognition and as a result of the desires of our parents.
God’s magnificent Name is Who He is as well as a description of Him and His essence. It is sacred and to be spoken with reverence and humility and love. Just the fact that God allows us to call Him by Hiks name is an immeasurable act of grace.
I have often wondered about that reference in Revelation 19 that says Jesus has a name that no man knows but He himself. I have no divine insight into that, but I have wondered if at the culmination of all things the Father will reveal a heavenly Name for Jesus that is the combination of all the different names given to Him.
Just some musing, but suffice to say He has been given a Name that is above every name, and when the angel speaks the Name “Jesus”, I, by the grace that was given to me, will bow in broken worship and say, “Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father”. That God would desire to hear that from the lips of someone like me exposes the infinite depth of His love and grace.
And that Name is eternally trsutworthy, a strong tower in the time of trouble, a fortress and a bulwark never failing. Praise the Name by which I am humbly known. I am not worthy, He is and to Him and His Name I cling!
June 9, 2007 at 5:55 pm
Amen Rick!