Worthy of Praise Part Two

In England, whenever there is an official gathering to which the Queen is to attend. When she, known as her majesty, enters the room all heads are turned to her and all eyes are fixed upon her and she is recognized as the head of the nation in that moment. There is no one more important in that room at that moment. She has the high position.

It is a weak human example for establishing an understanding of the majesty of God for us but for practical purposes will have to assist us in realizing how much greater God is than we are.

There is a story told of an old missionary woman near death in Dick Eastman’s book a Celebration of Praise.

As the elderly missionary lay motionless on her deathbed her nine children gathered solemnly around her. Her life had been a long and beautiful example of dedication and sacrifice. All of her children followed in her footsteps and served in some aspect of missionary service.
Before a new day dawned the saintly warrior would be with Jesus, and everyone present knew death was moments away. Suddenly, one of the children thought she heard her mother speak. It was unusual it seemed like days since she spoke. Motioning to the eldest son, the younger sister said, 'I think Mother is trying to say something."
Her brother was certain it was but a groan, perhaps an indication that death had finally arrived. But a few seconds passed and it seemed that she again wanted to speak. This time what appeared to be a forced groan was clearly loud enough to be heard. Still, none could recognize what she wanted to say.
The eldest son put his ear close to his mother’s lips and said, "Mother, please tell us what is it you want"
The dying saint struggled as she reached within for all the strength that remained. This time a clear word was heard; the single word—"Bring." There was no doubt about what she said.
The son leaned closer and spoke. "Mother," he said softly, "tell us what it is you wish. You name it, and we will bring it to you."
The missionary's body seemed to quiver as she reached within for greater strength. "Bring," she cried out with authority.
Again the eldest son, longing to satisfy his dying mother's wish, responded, "Whatever it is you wish, Mother, just tell us. If we can possibly bring it to you, we will"
Almost interrupting the son, the mother cried even louder—"Bring!"
By now, the son seemed agitated, and responded firmly, "Mother, just tell us what it is you want and we will bring it"
Suddenly, a remarkable thing happened. The saint seemed to burst forth with supernatural energy. Rising on her bed, an impossibility in her condition, she stretched a hand toward heaven and boldly exclaimed— "Bring... forth the royal diadem and crown Him Lord of all!"
With those words, the missionary fell backward on her pillow and died. She ended her earthly experience honoring the majesty of God.

To honor the majesty of God one must understand the difference between God’s greatness and the greatness of man. There simply is no comparison to be found between the two when rightly understood. God is actually that much greater than humanity.

It has been said that if Christians lose their sense of the greatness of God and thereby remove themselves from the recognition of His majesty they risk constructing an image of God that cannot rescue in the most difficult of situations. They end up with a God who is weak and anemic incapable of saving whom He wills and has become dependent on the aid of men. Martin Luther rebuked Erasmus the Monk by saying, “Your thoughts of God are too human!" What can be said of us regarding our thoughts of God?

Whenever we speak of God’s majesty we are talking about His divine splendor and supremacy as it relates to His ruling over the entire universe. His supreme authority! His greatness!



Tim Atchley

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