Man is naturally poor and proud, but grace strips him and humbles him in the dust. Here the highly-favoured David, the man after God's own heart, cries out, "I am a worm." How little, how despicable he appeared in his own eyes.
Every one that humbleth himself shall be exalted. You have looked at Bible saints, and have sighed out, "Ah! they were not like me!" My brother, are you not a poor, weak, worthless worm? Do you not feel so? Well, so did David. The less you are in your own eyes, the more fit you are for the Lord Jesus, and the more welcome will you be at the throne of grace. But this was the language also of David's Lord; this was the view the Jews had of Him, and they treated Him accordingly.
The Brightness of Glory is compared to a vile reptile; the Express Image of the Father's person is treated with the greatest contempt. But it was for us men, and for our salvation. O mystery of mercy! Jesus is reduced to a level with the worm, that we may be raised higher than the angels.
From Bethlehem's inn, to Calvary's cross, Affliction mark'd His road; And many a weary step He took, To bring us back to God.
By men despised, rejected, scorn'd, No beauty they can see; With grace and glory all adorn'd, The loveliest form to me.
Written by James Smith for his own flock around 1840, but such was the demand that by 1846 over thirty thousand copies where in circulation.
James Smith was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London from 1841-1850. He also ministered with great blessing in Cheltenham. His devotional, The Believer's Daily Remembrancer, subtitled Pastor's Morning and Evening Visit, was very popular in its own day, and has received a new lease of life through recent republication.
Man is naturally poor and proud, but grace strips him and humbles him in the dust. Here the highly-favoured David, the man after God's own heart, cries out, "I am a worm." How little, how despicable he appeared in his own eyes.
Every one that humbleth himself shall be exalted. You have looked at Bible saints, and have sighed out, "Ah! they were not like me!" My brother, are you not a poor, weak, worthless worm? Do you not feel so? Well, so did David. The less you are in your own eyes, the more fit you are for the Lord Jesus, and the more welcome will you be at the throne of grace. But this was the language also of David's Lord; this was the view the Jews had of Him, and they treated Him accordingly.
The Brightness of Glory is compared to a vile reptile; the Express Image of the Father's person is treated with the greatest contempt. But it was for us men, and for our salvation. O mystery of mercy! Jesus is reduced to a level with the worm, that we may be raised higher than the angels.
From Bethlehem's inn, to Calvary's cross, Affliction mark'd His road; And many a weary step He took, To bring us back to God.
By men despised, rejected, scorn'd, No beauty they can see; With grace and glory all adorn'd, The loveliest form to me.