Forthright Magazine
   http://www.forthright.net
   Going straight to the Cross


   It's a red-letter day when a Big Name takes notice
   of the little guy.


   Our Condescending God
   by Tim Hall

   When my wife and I lived in Madison, Wisconsin,
   Elvis Presley came to town for a concert. A major
   story involving "The King of Rock and Roll"
   developed as Elvis rode into town in his
   limousine. It seems he spotted two men fighting by
   the side of the road. Elvis ordered his chauffeur
   to stop the car, then got out and broke up the
   fight. Can you imagine that? Elvis Presley, icon
   of rock music, getting involved in the problems of
   two "common" people? The city was all in a buzz
   over the story.

   What Elvis did was admirable. But what God does on
   a daily basis is far more marvelous. Here's how
   the psalmist described it in Psalm 113:4-9:

   "The Lord is high above all nations, and His glory
   above the heavens. Who is like the Lord our God,
   who dwells on high, who humbles Himself to behold
   the things that are in the heavens and in the
   earth? He raises the poor out of the dust, and
   lifts the needy out of the ash heap, that He may
   seat him with princes -- with the princes of His
   people. He grants the barren woman a home, like a
   joyful mother of children" (New King James
   Version).

   There are many reasons to praise God. He is
   powerful above all others. His wisdom knows all
   things, even the hidden thoughts of the heart. He
   can see the future and remembers all things of the
   past. But one of the most amazing facts about this
   awesome God is that He stoops to our level. He
   bends low to the earth to help those who are
   "common."

   We don't find that very often in the world around
   us. That's what made the story about Elvis so
   fascinating. Celebrities usually brush off those
   who clamor about them, refusing even to give
   autographs. But God brushes off no one. He looks
   upon our conditions of need. He feels for us in
   our pain and suffering. He longs to lift us out of
   the dust and ashes.

   What a wonderful God we serve! He is worthy of all
   the praise we can offer to Him. Praise His holy
   name!