John McLaurin on Paradox and the Glory of Christ

His birth was mean on earth below. But it was celebrated by Hallelujahs by the heavenly host in the air above; He had a poor londging, but a star [brought visitors] to it from distant countries. Never [did] a Prince have such [visitors] so conducted. He had not the magnificent equipage that other kings have, but He was attended with multitudes of patients, seeking, and obtaining healing of soul and body; that was more true greatness than if He had been attended by crowds of Princes. He made the dumb that attended Him to sing His praises, and the lame to leap for joy, the deaf to hear His wonders, and the blind to see His glory. He had no guard of soldiers, nor magnificent retinue of servants, but the Centurion who had both, acknowledged that heath and sickness, life and death, took orders from Him: even the winds and storms, which no earthly power can control, obeyed Him; and death and the grave dare not refuse to deliver up their prey when He demanded it. He did not walk upon tapestry, but when He walked upon the sea the waters supported Him. All parts of creation, excepting sinful men, honored Him as their Creator. He kept no treasure but when He had occasion for money, the sea sent it to Him in the mouth of a fish. He had no barns or cornfields, but when He inclined to make a feast, a few loaves covered a sufficient table for many thousands. None of all the monarchs of the world gave such an entertainment. –By these and many such things, the Redeemer’s glory shone through His meanness, in the several parts of His life.1