The great reversal.
The great tree is to be cast down and withered, while the lowly growth is to be planted on high, and is to flourish. This was true of Zedekiah and Christ, as of Saul the king and David the shepherd. It is recognized in the Magnificat (Luke 1:52); for the lowly Mary of Nazareth is honoured, when the great families of Jerusalem are slighted. The principle that it illustrates is pointed out by Christ, who tells us not only the general truth that "the first shall be last, and the last first," but also its moral justification. "Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased, and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted" (Matthew 23:12).
I. THE FACT OF THE GREAT REVERSAL.
1. The humiliation of the great. This takes two forms.
2. The exaltation of the low. This also takes two forms, corresponding to the humiliation.
II. THE CAUSE OF THE GREAT REVERSAL.
1. It is attributed to God. He it is who makes great, and he also makes low. The most lofty rank is not above the reach of his terrible hand of justice; the lowest estate is not beneath his condescension. The great sweeper providence embraces all men.
2. It is conditioned by human character. God is not capricious. He does not grudge prosperity to his children. There is no Nemesis threatening human success apart from that of justice against wrong doing. Innocent prosperity is not regarded with disfavour by God. The selfish envy with which the unfortunate are tempted to pursue their more happy brethren can find no justification in the ways of God. On the other hand, present misfortune is not in itself a ground for future favour, though it may be a plea for simple pity and needful mercy. The high are not east down just because they are high, nor are the low exalted solely because they are low. Christ has given us the secret of the great reversal in the passage already quoted, viz. humiliation is to be the punishment of self-seeking, and exaltation is to be the reward of self-sacrifice. That is the great lesson which St. Paul draws from the cross of Christ (Philippians 2:4-11).
III. THE RECOGNITION OF THE GREAT REVERSAL. "All the trees of the field shall know," etc. God's providential judgment is public; so will the great judgment be.
1. The shame of the fall of the great cannot be hidden. High reputations have been trampled in the mire.
2. The fame of the exaltation of the low will not be kept secret.
3. These facts contain warning lessons for the proud and self-seeking, and encouragement for the humble and unselfish. They are meant to be noted.
4. They glorify God, who thus shows himself just and good, and mighty against the strong.
HOMILIES BY J.R. THOMSON