To A Low Estate To Save

“It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever[.]” -Psalm 136:23

This line from a song of worship and preparation is the Gospel foreshadowed. God has remembered us in our low estate, in our brokenness and sinful disobedience. In our disregard for him, and out of his steadfast love for us, he has given of himself to save us.

In Christ, we are no longer left in the pit; we possess new life, wear his righteousness, and anticipate real life with him for eternity. What a great miracle he has worked to bring us to himself! The ones incapable of living up to the standard are rescued, given a perfect record, and empowered to live the adventurous life in Christ.

Rejoice at this announcement of your salvation, your rescue from the low estate of being far from God. Share the news of his grace, and live the adventure he has for you.

Laying it Down Now and Then

“And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” -Revelation 4:9–11

This is where we are headed, so let's not miss the beauty of it. The elders, the saints all fall down to worship the Lamb, Jesus. They cast their crowns, their rewards, at his feet, giving back all glory, honor, and power to the One who is worthy.

It is a beautiful picture of letting go of our own gifts and treasures for the glory of Christ — because Christ is the One who is worthy of all glory. This is what we will be like before his throne—no comparing of rewards or how good we were, only worshipping the deserving One.

This is something not only meant and lived out in the second coming, or heaven; we can live this right now. We can lay down all the things we cling to at the feet of Christ and live for him, not those things. We need the Lord to work this in our hearts, and it is a prayer he is pleased to answer. So today, why not ask for help: “Lord, help me to lay down all the lesser things and worship you, to live for your glory.” See how he might respond.