Able to Abase

“Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in His ways” (Psalm 128:1).  “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge… They hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD… The turning away of the simple shall slay them… But whoso hearkeneth unto Me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil” (Proverbs 1:7-33).  “My reason returned unto me… Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all Whose works are truth, and His ways judgment: and those that walk in pride He is ABLE to ABASE” (Daniel 4:36,37).  “The Word was God… and the Word was made flesh… Whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose… Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:1-29). 

How blest is the one who is fearing the Lord,

For this is the place where true knowledge begins,
But knowledge is willfully mocked and ignored
By those yet refusing to turn from their sins. 

All those who hate knowledge are making a choice

To turn from God’s counsel, refusing His grace.
They choose not to fear Him; they heed not His voice,
Unwilling to seek Him who died in their place.

In time all will know who the Lord Jesus is, 

Though some will delay to discover their error.
The Lord surely knows all of those who are His,
Reproving the proud of eternity’s terror. 

When Nebuchadnezzar was lifted in pride

The Lord then abased him to choose in his season
To turn to the Lord, and be humbled inside,
And thus by God’s fear, he could rightfully reason. 

The Lord can abase those who choose to be proud,

And yet He desires to show them salvation.
How gracious He is, since He’s often allowed
The time to respond to His great invitation! 

The Lord Jesus Christ, God Incarnate, the Word,

Eternal Creator, without a beginning,
Came into this world, made flesh, and we heard
God’s offer of grace to a world yet sinning!

Though we are not worthy to unloose His shoe,

The Lord Jesus Christ, the Eternal “I Am”,
Reveals His heart to us, loving and true,
As we now behold Him as God’s Holy Lamb!

O Lord, we give thanks that You loved us so much,

You humbled Yourself as the Lamb for us slain!
We wonder, O Lord, how You even could touch,
This world of sinners that caused You such pain! 

We know, Lord, the day of Your coming draws near

When every last knee then before You shall bow.
So grant us the wisdom to teach souls Your fear,
That they may find grace that You offer them now!