By Kevin Harris, pastor of the Illawarra Community Baptist Church in Wollongong, NSW
At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
Matthew 11:25
And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?
Matthew 21:16
But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.
1 Corinthians 1:27-29
The Lord delights to work with ‘babes and sucklings.’ These are not yet known for wisdom. But God reveals great realities to those the world considers foolish, weak, base, and despicable nobodies.
This revelation is both general and special.
General revelation is primarily what God reveals about Himself through creation. A man looks up at the stars and knows there must be a powerful, wise God who set those stars in their courses.
Special revelation is far more instructive. It refers to the Bible. There God explains things to us that would be impossible for us to know otherwise.
Most of the Bible believers both in ages past and down to our day have been ordinary people with a simple faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Most never achieve fame or the admiration of crowds. Our biographies are known only by the Lord and a few others.
The average Christian, like babes and sucklings, is not notable. Those who ARE notable in our society rarely think they need a Saviour.
Most of the praise our Lord receives from human beings comes from the poor, unknown people who are not schooled in this world’s philosophies and values. Simple unpretentious people humble themselves before their Maker and enjoy an uncomplicated relationship with Him.
We who are failures in the eyes of man are blessed to see God’s excellencies and publicly admire Him.
Of Psalm 8:2, which our Lord quotes in Matthew 21:16, Spurgeon wrote, ‘It needs a great orator to win men’s admiration for a doubtful character; but so surpassingly glorious is the Lord, that even a child’s tongue suffices to baffle his foes, and charm his friends.’
Father, I am grateful to be one of those who may never come to glory in this earth. Thank You for teaching us Your marvellous truths, and for accepting our simple faith and unsophisticated praise. Keep us from seeking complicated viewpoints and stylish associations. Keep us little in our own sight. Explain to us and ground us in Your profound Word, and deepen our walk with You, the living God. I ask in the Name of the Lord Jesus, Amen.
This article was written by Kevin Harris Dapto pastor of Illawarra Community Baptist Church.