Somewhere in the Scriptures, Jesus makes a sharp comparison between “the learned and the clever” versus those who are “gentle and humble in heart” and the later he calls “little ones” (Matt. 11:25) . ‘Little’ here does not necessarily refer to age or stature, but to the wisdom of God that can only be utilised by those who humble themselves to follow God’s ways. Jesus concludes that those who are on God’s side are the ‘little ones’; ‘gentle and humble in heart’. Somewhere else, Jesus makes the pronouncement “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth” (Matt. 5: 5). All these, reminds us that God never forget his little ones and that we should always be on their side. “Come to me all you who labor and are burdened and I will give you rest, says the Lord.” (Matt 11: 28).
Sometimes, we presume that just because God has blessed us with wealth, position or something, we are “the learned and clever”. Remember when God positions you, he also gives you a responsibility to take care of “the little ones” in your domain. Many times we think we are clever or learned because we find ourselves in a vantage position. At times like that, we begin to outclass others and act as if the whole world is in our feet. We forget that our God is a God of the poor and one day he will act. We have to be careful because it can be more difficult for the so called “learned and clever” to implement the divine mandate because of the lures and temptations that the world offers.
Throughout history, God has always reminded us that he always intervenes on behalf of those who are ‘gentle and humble of heart”. although sometimes he may delay. As for the proud, the ‘learned and clever,’ his ways remain a mystery (Matt. 11:25-30). Once upon a time, God’s people (the Israelites) were oppressed and exploited by foreign powers and the Prophet Zechariah reminded them that the end of their suffering was in sight and their God will soon come to their rescue… ” (Zech. 9:9-10). Let’s not deceive ourselves; human beings cannot manipulate God. The Psalmist reminds us of our inheritance as God’s little ones when he says :”Wait a little and the wicked will be no more; look for them but you won’t find them; the poor will posses the land and will delight in great prosperity and peace” (Psalm 37: 10-11).
Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Rev Fr Peter Obele Abue PhD, and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for.