Psalm 8:2

“From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.”

This is a verse that Jesus quotes when challenged by the religious leaders (Matt. 21:12-17). These leaders go into a rage over the praise of the children during Jesus’ triumphal entry intoJerusalemon the way to the cross. Jesus has overturned the tables of the moneylenders in the temple and healed the blind and the lame. The children cried out “Hosanna to the Son of David.” What does this mean? Salvation has come! Because of this, the religious leaders went ballistic. Psalm 8:2 is fulfilled with the silence of the religious leaders, those who should have known better.

This is a reminder that God has chosen the path of weakness and vulnerability to accomplish His will. “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” (I Cor. 1:27) Why such a methodology? So that in all things, in all ways, to all ends God would receive the praise and glory.

How often do we respond in the opposite fashion? We want to be clear, calculating, and in control of what we do. We are taught to go from strength to strength. Only the foolish go forward in weakness.

One secret about the ways of Almighty God is that His power is made manifest through our weakness.

Are you willing to serve the Lord in the fullness of your weaknesses? What does your heart yearn for – praise, or silence?

 

– Written by Edward Bradley, May 22nd 2007