ABRAHAM ... and a bunch of rogues
(GENESIS 18: 27)
Self-esteem is rarely found in the heart of a true man of
God, for the more virtuous a saint becomes, the less satisfied
he will be with himself. Increasing love for God means
increasing hatred of the self-life. The Bible has many
examples of this fact.
Abraham. " I am but dust and ashes "-Genesis 18: 27.
Abraham was the friend of God, and the greatest character
in the ancient world. Divine secrets were shared with the
illustrious patriarch, and in a sense unknown by ordinary
men, he walked with God. Yet Abraham despised himself,
and became increasingly conscious of his shortcomings. He
considered himself unworthy to commune with God, and
said he was dust and ashes.
Job. " Behold, I am vile "-Job 40:4.
We are left in no doubt as to the true greatness of this man.
It is recorded that the Lord said of him " . . . there is none
like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that
feareth God, and escheweth evil " (Job 1: 8). When Job's
friends declared him to be a hypocrite ; that secret sin had
brought about his misfortunes, he maintained that his heart
was clean before God. Yet when he came face to face with
his Maker, he whispered, " I am vile."
David. " Behold, I was shapen in iniquity "-Psalm 51: 5.
The sweet psalmist of Israel was a man after God's own
heart, and although certain indiscretions marred his fine
record of devotion, his integrity and true consecration were
always beyond question. Yet this great man sadly shook
his head and denied his own virtue. Psalm 51 is a heart-throb
in which we hear tears of anguish, cries of disappointment,
and the moan of a man who feels that he is a complete
failure.
Ezra. " I blush to lift up my face "-Ezra 9: 6.
Ezra was one of the greatest men of his day. He held an
honorable place among the spiritual aristocracy of the
nation. His courageous example at a time when Israel needed
spiritual leadership, lifted the nation to new heights of
achievement. He and Nehemiah were the greatest men of
that generation ; yet Ezra's confession claimed for bum a place
in Rogues' Gallery. He said, " 0 my God, I am ashamed
and blush to lift up my face."
Isaiah. " I am undone ... I am a man of unclean lips" - Isaiah 6: 5.
Isaiah was one of the major prophets, who gave counsel
and guidance to a stumbling nation, and at the same time
provided unerring information concerning the coming of the
Messiah. He was a friend of the king, a father to the nation,
and a trusted servant of the Most High ; yet of himself he
had nothing good to say.
Simon Peter. "l am a sinful man" - Luke 5:8
There is something delightfully human about Simon Peter,
for at all times he was unquestionably honest. Sometimes
strong emotions and fierce temptations upset his equilibrium ;
but within minutes, the real man appeared again. He was a
great man, an excellent preacher, and a brother beloved. Yet
all who read the New Testament realize how very much Peter
abhorred himself.
The Centurion. " I am not worthy "-Luke 7: 6.
This Gentile soldier won a place among the great immortals,
for his spiritual perception enabled Christ to say, " I have
not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." Although he
was an officer in Caesar's army, and occupied a position of
importance, he felt that his home was unworthy of a visit
from the Carpenter of Nazareth.
Paul. " I am the chief of sinners "-l Timothy 1: 15.
Paul was undoubtedly the greatest of all Christian mis-
sionaries. He was the first to look beyond the narrow bounds
of Israel's horizons, and with determination of purpose to
penetrate into the unknown. His indomitable spirit and
untiring energy took the Gospel to millions of heathen, and
with God's help he established the Christian Church. Yet
Paul claimed to be the greatest sinner in the world.
God has strange ways of estimating the greatness of men.
Sometimes the first are last, and the last first. Those who
are great in their own estimation are far from the will of
God, while others who are overwhelmed by a sense of un-
worthiness are ready for the Master's use. A bunch of
rogues? No: some of God's great gentlemen!
