God Delights to Exalt the Humble

“He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people.” — Psalm 113:7-8

Psalm 113 celebrates the astonishing grace of God toward those who have nothing to offer Him. The Lord stoops to lift the poor and needy from the dust and the ash heap—not merely to improve their circumstances, but to give them a place among His covenant people. This points us ultimately to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Spiritually, every one of us was helpless, dead in sin, and unable to save ourselves (Ephesians 2:1–5). Yet God, in His mercy, has raised us with Christ and given us an inheritance among His saints. What God has done for us by grace, He continues to do as the gospel is proclaimed and sinners are brought from death to life through faith in Christ.

Because God delights to exalt the humble, we should delight in making His saving grace known to others. Our Lord has ordained that the gospel of Christ be proclaimed to every nation. While doing this, we trust that He will draw His elect to Himself through the preaching of the gospel (Romans 10:14–17). Evangelism is not an attempt to persuade God to save, but a joyful participation in His redeeming work as we invite others to receive the mercy that has been freely given to us. As those who have been lifted from the ash heap of sin, let us gladly bear witness to Christ, praying that God would use our faithful words to raise many more into the joy and fellowship of His kingdom.

Additional Scripture Readings

• 2 Corinthians 5:11-21
• Ephesians 2:1–10

Questions for Reflection

1. How has God graciously lifted you from the “ash heap” of sin through the saving work of Jesus Christ, and how does remembering that shape your gratitude and humility?
2. Who in your life needs to hear the good news of Christ, and what opportunity might God be giving you this week to faithfully share the hope of the gospel with them?