Dust and Ashes
The closer we draw to God, the more humble we must be, recognizing our own baseness and deserving of punishment.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the humility of Abraham, who recognizes himself as 'dust and ashes' when speaking to God. This acknowledgment reflects the inherent baseness of humanity and the deserving of judgment without God's mercy. Brooks argues that true closeness to God fosters greater humility, drawing a parallel with the angels who, being closest to God, exhibit the utmost humility. The sermon calls believers to reflect on their own insignificance and the grace of God that allows them to approach Him.
Text
Gen. 18:27, "And Abraham answered and said, Behold,
I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, who am
but dust and ashes." Here you have the father of the
faithful, the greatest believer in the world, accounting
himself dust and ashes. Solemnly think that you are
dust and ashes--and be proud if you can!
Dust notes the baseness of his original; and ashes notes
his deserving to be burnt to ashes, if God should deal with
him in justice rather than in mercy.
The nearer any soul draws to God, the more humble will
that soul lie before God. None so near God as the angels,
nor any so humble before God as the angels.
Sermon Outline
- Abraham's Humility
- Accounting himself dust and ashes
- Recognizing his baseness and deserving of punishment
Key Quotes
“Behold, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, who am but dust and ashes.” — Thomas Brooks
“None so near God as the angels, nor any so humble before God as the angels.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Recognize your own baseness and deserving of punishment before God.
- Cultivate humility in your relationship with God.
- Be proud of your humility, not your accomplishments or status.