Nov 13 – THE LEAST !

So, he said to Him, “O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” (Judges 6:15)

Our God exalts those who are low in stature and grants his immeasurable grace to those who are humble. He looks at the little flock and comforts them by asking them not to fear, as it is the Father’s good pleasure to give them the kingdom.

May be you could be the least in your family and may be considered insignificant by everyone. Others may think of you as very low. But our God considers you as high and exalted. The Scripture tells us that: “He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the beggar from the ash heap, to set them among princes and make them inherit the throne of glory” (1 Samuel 2:8).

On that day, Gideon humbled himself and confessed that his clan is the weakest and he is the least in his father’s house. And the Lord said to him: “Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man” (Judges 6:16). Not only that, even when He called Gideon, the least for the first time, He called him as the mighty man of valour. He encouraged him by reassuring: “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valour!”.

David was also considered least, weak and insignificant in the eyes of everyone. And the job entrusted to David was to feed his father’s sheep. But God was with David, who was considered insignificant. God blessed him and exalted him greatly and anointed him as King over Israel. He also made a covenant with David, that his house shall be established forever.

And in response to that Covenant, David humbled himself and said: “Who am I, O Lord God? And what is my house, that You have brought me this far?” (2 Samuel 7:18). Even if you have walk through the path of trials, cling on to God firmly as He is with you.

Even though Bethlehem was little among all the tribes of Israel, God chose that town as His birthplace. We read in the Scripture: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.” (Micah 5:2)

Dear children of God, you are that Bethlehem. You are the one from whom Christ shall come forth. And God is calling you to pray fervently, like that of a woman in her labour, that Christ Jesus is also born in the hearts of others. Will you pray such a prayer?

Verse for further meditation: and said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.” (Luke 9:48)