God is great, God is ... lowly?
I would not expect to be able to just call up the President and ask to speak to him. There is no way because I am not an important person. This is not to say that he is a snob or anything like that, it's just that he does not have time to speak with just anybody who would like a word with him. Wait, I just said that the reason the President would not speak to me is that he does not have the time. That would not be true of God, would it? But surely he would not stoop down to my level. Oh, there I go again, he already has stooped down to our level. In fact he cares very much about our level.
Matthew 10:29-31 (NKJV)
Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
OK, so God is all knowing and all caring. But what is this attribute that describes his willingness, no his delight in speaking with someone as lowly as me. That's it, lowliness. That's not an attribute I would just casually use for God but Jesus used it about himself.
Matthew 11:29 (NKJV)
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Willard writes about God's greatness:
How hard it is for us to come to an adequate conception of the lowliness of God--of how his greatness is precisely what makes him able, available and ready to hear and speak personally with his creatures!
Father in heaven, I am struck with the idea of your greatness coupled with your loving kindness in speaking to me. Thank you for sending Your Son Jesus, my kinsman redeemer.
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