Psalms 78:67-72 - Homilies By S. Conway

God's chosen ones.

These verses show that they whom God chooses are—

I. OFTEN NOT FOUND AMONGST THE GREAT . ( Psalms 78:67 .) Ephraim was the lordly tribe, the aristocracy of Israel. They had a long roll call of illustrious names. But God "refused the tabernacle of Joseph" (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:1-31 .).

II. BUT , NEVERTHELESS , THEY MAY BE . ( Psalms 78:68 .) For the tribe of Judah was but little less exalted than Ephraim. God puts no ban upon any rank, or people, or tribe. How stern are the utterances of our Lord about the rich! And yet there have been many saints of God who have been rich.

III. ARE FOUND GENERALLY AMONGST THE LOWLY . ( Psalms 78:70 , Psalms 78:71 .) "Blessed are ye poor," said our Lord. From amongst them the pioneers of the kingdom of God have nearly all come—"unlearned and ignorant men," poor, but rich in faith.

IV. AND WHERE NO APPARENT FITNESS EXISTS for the work that has to be done. David, a rustic shepherd lad, and yet, etc. ( Psalms 78:71 ).

V. BUT GOD 'S CHOICE IS ALWAYS JUSTIFIED . ( Psalms 78:72 .) Of what great servant of God could it have been foretold that he would be what he came to be?

VI. OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS THE SUPREME EXAMPLE OF THIS . Despised of men. My soul, what is he to thee?—S.C.