Two unrelated, yet related, quotes in this one:
The Canaanitish woman in the fifteenth of Matthew sets a high price upon a crumb of mercy. Ah, Lord, says the humble soul, if I may not have a loaf of mercy, give me a piece of mercy; if not a piece of mercy, give me a crumb of mercy. If I may not have sun-light, let me have moon-light; if not moon-light, let me have star-light; if not star-light, let me have candle-light; and for that I will bless thee…Every smile of God, and every discovery of God, and every drop of mercy from God, is very highly prized by a soul that walks humbly with God. The name of Christ, the voice of Christ, the footsteps of Christ, the least touch of the garment of Christ, the least-regarded truth of Christ, the meanest and least-regarded among the flock of Christ, is highly prized by humble souls that are interested in Christ.
-Thomas Brooks, The Unsearchable Riches of Christ from Works vol. 3, p. 16
As a great shoe fits not a little foot, nor a great sail a little ship, nor a great ring a little finger, so a great estate fits not a humble soul…So an humble soul is more contented and satisfied with Daniel’s pulse and John’s coat than proud princes are with their glistering crowns and golden scepters (pp. 21-22).
It strikes me that the richest among us often struggle with contentment. I am certain that the poor do as well, but that is beside the point here. The Christian can do all things through Christ, who strengthens him. That is, the Christian can find contentment in any circumstance. Why? Because the company of the simplest saint is more to be desired than the audience of the pagan prime minister. Because a touch of Christ’s garment is of more value than the touch of a diamond ring, or of celebrity skin. Because a crumb of the mercy of Jesus is more valuable than whatever dainties a Michelin Star chef might put on the plate. And he gives us more than crumbs, more than a touch, and a church full of simple saints to meet every week.
