1 Chronicles 17:16 And David the king came and sat before the LORD, and said, Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my house… This chapter is one of peculiar beauty, as exhibiting at once the gracious intentions of the Lord towards one of his servants, and the grateful response of that servant to the condescension and loving-kindness with which he was treated. The spirit of self-abnegation and humility breathing in the language of the text awakens our admiration, and calls for our imitation. We are reminded by these words of - I. OUR UNWORTHINESS AND ILL DESERT. "Who am I... that thou hast brought me hitherto?" It is an unwonted attitude for many minds. Men are so prone to regard their own fancied excellences, that language of humiliation and contrition is often suspected of insincerity. Yet, in the presence of him who is at once the perfectly holy and the Searcher of hearts, what more appropriate than prostration of soul and acknowledgment of sin? II. GOD'S GRACE AND KINDNESS TO THOSE WHO DEPEND UPON HIM. The Lord exalts the humble and meek. The king acknowledged not only his own utter unworthiness of the distinction accorded to him, but God's infinite mercy and goodness in his treatment of his servant. "According to thine own heart hast thou done all this greatness." There are in Scripture many beautiful examples of God's grace to the lowly in heart. Read the song of Hannah, and the Magnificat of Mary the mother of Jesus; and observe how the Lord is acknowledged as the great King who delights to have mercy upon the feeble who yet are faithful, and to put honour upon them, and reveal to them his love and mercy. In fact, revelation abounds with practical proofs of God's purpose ever to reject the proud, and to favour and exalt the meek, the lowly, and the contrite. It is upon those who sincerely ask, "Who am I?" that the Lord of glory delights to confer the tokens of his approval and favour. III. THE SPECIAL FAVOUR SHOWN TO US BY GOD, WHO DEIGNS TO USE US IT HIS SERVICE ANY KINGDOM. Evidently David felt that the highest honour was put upon him in being allowed to serve Jehovah - to be an instrument in his hands for the carrying out of Divine purposes. What dignity and happiness does it give to life, to know that we are commissioned and employed by the King of kings! PRACTICAL LESSONS. 1. These considerations should enhance our conceptions of God's glory and grace. Let us recount his mercies, and acknowledge their Divine source. 2. They should induce us to consecrate afresh to Heaven the nature Heaven has created, and the powers Heaven has conferred. - T. Parallel Verses KJV: And David the king came and sat before the LORD, and said, Who am I, O LORD God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought me hitherto? |
    |