Behold, God Is Mighty, and Despiseth Not Any.
God's mighty presence and unwavering attention make Him a perfect and loving God who cares for all souls, especially those that others despise.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the might and attentiveness of God, who does not despise any individual, regardless of their circumstances. He reassures us that God's infinite nature ensures that He cares for the overlooked and marginalized, making prayer a personal and intimate communication with a powerful deity. Meyer illustrates that those whom society neglects are especially cherished by God, who acts as their Champion and Saviour. This divine attention transforms our understanding of God's relationship with humanity, highlighting His commitment to the helpless and despised. Ultimately, God's greatness guarantees that no one is beyond His reach or care.
Text
Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any. Job xxxvi. 5.
WHAT entrancing assurances are contained in this and the preceding sentence! To think that in all our wayfarings through this world One that is perfect in knowledge is always with us, and One that is mighty is pledged to bring us through! Nothing could be desired beside. This makes prayer new. It is a child's confidential whisper to the One who is attent to the lowest murmur, who cannot forget, who will not relinquish a purpose which He has formed though years pass, and who is able to do exceeding abundantly.
It is because God is so great that He despises none. If He were less than infinite, He might overlook. The boundlessness of his being has no ebb, fails of no soul He has made, and is as much at any one point as if He had no care or thought beside. In fact, those that man despises stand the best chance with God. Just because no one else cares for them, he must; just because no one else will help them, He will. This is necessary to his nature.
When a philanthropist adopts a certain lapsed section of the community, he does so because no one else will. It becomes a matter of honour with him that none of these, outcast by all else, should miss his help. And God has constituted Himself Champion, Guardian, and Saviour, of all who have no help from their fellows. Friendless, forlorn, helpless, despised, He recognises and meets the claim of their urgent necessity. Bruised reeds, bits of smoking tow, half‑consumed fire‑brands, lost sheep, prodigal sons, waifs and strays, homeless, destitute, neglected ‑‑ these have a first claim on the Almightiness of the living God.
Sermon Outline
- God's Mighty Presence
- God's Unwavering Attention
- God's Care for the Despised
- God's Nature as Champion and Saviour
- Recognises and meets urgent necessity
- Friendless, forlorn, helpless, despised
- Bruised reeds, lost sheep, prodigal sons
Key Quotes
“Nothing could be desired beside.” — F.B. Meyer
“Just because no one else cares for them, He must; just because no one else will help them, He will.” — F.B. Meyer
“Bruised reeds, bits of smoking tow, half-consumed fire-brands, lost sheep, prodigal sons, waifs and strays, homeless, destitute, neglected -- these have a first claim on the Almightiness of the living God.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- We can have confidence in God's ability to bring us through any challenge or difficulty.
- God's mighty presence makes prayer new and gives us a sense of His unwavering attention.
- We should recognize and respond to the urgent needs of those around us, especially those who are friendless, forlorn, and helpless.