Psalm 113:5-8 Who is like to the LORD our God, who dwells on high,… I. THE UNEQUALLED MAJESTY AND GLORY OF GOD. 1. He dwelleth on high. He is described as "seated on a throne high and lifted up" (Isaiah 6:1). The residence of His glory is in the heavenly world. From thence He beholds the whole universe, reigneth over it; and all creatures, and all worlds are under His government and control. 2. There is none like Him. It is impossible, in the nature of things, that there should be any more than one eternal, self-existent Being. II. HIS GREAT AND AMAZING CONDESCENSION. 1. It is great condescension in God to behold the things that are in heaven — the saints and angels; for they are creatures, and fall infinitely short of Him in perfection. They cannot by searching find out God, nor have they minds capacious enough to receive Him, Besides, their best services, though not sinful and polluted, are yet imperfect. They are not equal to His glory; for "He is exalted above all blessing and praise." 2. It is greater and more wonderful condescension to behold the things on earth. They derive their being from the dust; dwell in houses of clay; at their best estate they are altogether vanity; will soon be laid in the grave and turned to corruption. They have lost their innocence and are become unclean; have lost their order and are become irregular. They often desire, judge, and act wrong; and there is not one that perfectly doeth good, no, not one. By the generality of men God is affronted, neglected, or forgotten. Even the worship and obedience of His saints, of the best of His saints, are imperfect and polluted. Who, then, is like to the Lord our God, that stoops to regard such creatures, and be so good to a world so full of vanity, sin, and pollution? III. APPLICATION. 1. Learn to reverence this great and glorious Being, since He dwelleth on high, and there is none like Him. 2. Learn the odious nature of pride. 3. The condescension of God affords much comfort to His people. 4. How strongly should the condescension of God attract our hearts to Him, and make our gratitude and love to Him warm and constant. 5. Learn to imitate the condescension of God. To be friendly and affable to all, and stoop with a grace, is to be polite, to be a gentleman; yea, what is better, it is to be a Christian; to be so far like God. Condescension is not meanness. The very word implies dignity. As you owe more to God than others, for His bounty to you, show your gratitude this way. By kindness and condescension you will be esteemed and beloved; for "before honour is humility; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." (Job Orton, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high, |
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