Monday, February 11, 2008

The Great God

"Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, and measured out heaven with the span of His hand, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?" Isaiah 40:12

All the greatness that we can comprehend is but a shadow of the greatness of God.
We compare Him to the sea, its strength and wildness, its adventure and mystery. Its presence is felt across the world, and there is no land where its effects are not seen. It refreshes the world, and is the source of life. Yet the mighty seas do not even rise to the dignity of a puddle before our great God.
We compare Him to the heavens, its vastness and glory, its tapestry used as both shield and covering. We are captured by the awe of the lights of the dark night, or consumed by the mountainous simplicity of the burning blue sky. Yet the glorious heavens cannot outstretch even the palm of our great God.
We compare Him to the earth, deep and strong, sturdy and immovable. A place of shelter and security, as well as exploration and discovery, providing both security and adventure. Its foundations are as strong as iron, and the whole of it is a mighty matter of legend. Yet the strong earth is but dust in a cup before our great God.
We compare Him to the mountains and the hills, their very size and shape seemingly transubstantiates them with greatness. They are equally beautiful and dangerous, filled to the brim with perils and wonders innumerable. Yet the numinous mountains and hills are but small rocks in the eyes of our great God.
This same great God is your Father in Heaven. The God to Whom the seas are but a drop stands ready to save and strengthen you. The God to Whom the heavens are but a little thing stands close to hold you. The God to Whom the earth is but rubble draws near to guide you. The God to Whom the mountains and hills are but pebbles counts you as precious and lovely in His sight. This same great God is yours, and you are His. Who can comprehend our great God? His greatness is forever beyond all knowing, and His love forever beyond His greatness. Amen.

"Eternal God, unchanging
Mysterious and unknown
Your boundless love unfailing
In grace and mercy shown.
Bright seraphim in ceaseless flight
Around your glorious throne,
They raise their voices day and night
In praise of You alone.

Hallelujah! Glory be to our great God!
Hallelujah! Glory be to our great God!

Lord, we are weak and frail
Helpless in the storm.
Surround us with Your angels,
Hold us in Your arms.
Our cold and ruthless enemy,
His pleasure is our harm.
Rise up, oh Lord, and he will flee
Before our sovereign God!

Hallelujah! Glory be to our great God!
Hallelujah! Glory be to our great God!

Let every creature in the sea
And every flying bird.
Let every mountain, every field
And valley of the earth.
Let all the moons and all the stars
In all the universe,
Sing praises to the living God
Who rules them by His word.

Hallelujah! Glory be to our great God!
Hallelujah! Glory be to our great God!"
-"Our Great God" (by Fernando Ortega and Mac Powell)

"May all the greatness that we see
Lead us ever unto You..."

-Jon Vowell

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