Worthy Beyond Words: Responding to the Savior's Sacrifice

The Incomparable

Glory of God

Who is God? Is God worthy of worship? Humanity has asked these questions for thousands of years. I’m not qualified to answer these questions, but the Bible answers them for us. The Bible depicts God as being wholly devoted to His creation, so much so that He would step into His creation in order to save us. I believe that when we catch a glimpse of who this God is and what He has done for us, it will drive us to worship Him in a wonderful way. Let’s begin by trying to glimpse His glory. As we start this shared journey, we’re stepping into a realm filled with fantastic mystery. Picture a period before even time was ticking, a moment before the empty void was molded into the beautifully organized universe we find ourselves in. Before the earth took its spin around the sun, before the oceans were carved out and filled, and even before there were mountains standing tall, God existed, cloaked in a brilliant, everlasting, and endless glory that can’t be adequately described. This splendor isn’t something God gained or accumulated; it is part of who He is, essential to His being, and acts as the centerpiece around which everything else revolves.

Diving into the Bible, Psalm 113:5 presents us with a profound thought: Who is like the Lord our God, who is enthroned on high? This isn’t a question seeking an answer but more of an exclamation, a way to express an overwhelming realization. It’s like a declaration announcing the awesome reality of the Almighty—always everywhere, knowing everything, and all-powerful. It’s a repeated echo over time, aiming to impress upon our hearts God’s extraordinary, dazzling, and awe-inspiring majestic nature.

Fathoming God’s glory is beyond human capacity. We might catch glimpses, like spotting a mini-rainbow when sunlight passes through a piece of glass. But can a piece of glass trap all the sunlight that’s lighting up the entire world? Just like that, our limited understanding can’t really capture the full brilliant glory of God. It goes beyond our reach and our ability to express it in words. In Romans 11:33, the Bible gives us a clue about this: Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

Our first chapter, therefore, aims to humbly trace these streaks of divine glory. Using the stories from the Bible, we will explore how people experienced glimpses of this glory during surprising or even ordinary moments. These remarkable instances reflect the brilliant nature of God, catching us by surprise and leaving us in awe. Our goal here isn’t to explain everything perfectly but more to inspire awe, trigger a sense of wonder, and, hopefully, ignite a desire to experience the mind-blowing glory of God in everyday life, as well as in the miraculous.

The Nature of God’s Glory

As we continue, let’s discuss an important idea—the nature of God’s glory. What do we mean when discussing God’s glory? It’s not about seeing a dazzling light, like a spotlight on a superstar. The word glory in the Bible refers to the amazing, impressive, heavy, or significant aspects of God’s nature.

To understand this, think about stories from the Bible where God shows His glory to people. We find one such story in Exodus 16:10. The Israelites, God’s people, complained and did not trust God while wandering through the desert. Suddenly, the morning mist lifted, and they saw God’s glory appearing in the cloud—a fantastic light that showed God’s presence. This incredible sight helped them trust in God’s presence and power.

Fast-forward to another event: this time, in the life of Prophet Ezekiel. Ezekiel had some extraordinary visions from God. He saw a bright light and an enormous, radiant being, which left him speechless and face down on the ground (Ezekiel 43:3). He was overcome by the powerful, dazzling radiance, which was a physical sign of God’s glory.

Now, one pivotal event stands out among these timeless examples. It’s the moment when Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth as a human being. The book of John 1:14 says, And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. Jesus was not just a man; He was God living among us—God’s glory in a human form. Being with Jesus allowed people to experience God’s glory personally and intimately.

These Bible events help us understand what it means when we speak of God’s glory. God wasn’t showing off or trying to impress people; He was showing them—and us—what He is like. Through these instances, we get a glimpse of God’s dazzling power and His incredible love.

But remember: God’s glory is not contained within these events. They offer a mere peep into the greatness of God. His glory is not confined to one place or time; it is everywhere and in all creation. His glory is far bigger, reaching beyond what we can see and will probably ever understand. But when we get a taste, a feel, or a sight of His glory, those moments bring us closer to Him. We continue our journey, happy with our glimpses and excited at the majestic mystery that waits ahead, always inspiring our faith and wonder.

God’s Supreme Holiness

Unveiling God’s glory wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging His supreme holiness. Holiness, in its simplest terms, refers to God’s total uniqueness, His absolute separation from anything sinful or evil. God’s holiness isn’t merely about morality or virtue; it serves as the essence and source of all that is perfect and upright.

This aspect of God’s nature becomes undeniably clear when we explore His divine attributes or the several ways God has revealed Himself to us in the scriptures. Each attribute isn’t an isolated trait or quality but a unique facet of the same precious gem. The sparkle from each facet contributes to the overall luster, revealing the holiness of God.

God’s omnipotence or His all-powerful nature is one such attribute. The psalmist proclaims it in Psalm 135:6: Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps. His omnipotence is displayed in every sunrise and sunset, each swirling galaxy and rushing river. His might is echoed in the thunder and whispered in every gentle breeze. This divine power isn’t tyrannous but tempered by love, mercy, and righteousness.

Another attribute is God’s omniscience or His all-knowing attribute. Proverbs 15:3 encapsulates this beautifully: The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. He is aware of our words before they roll off our tongues, acquainted with our thoughts before they knit themselves into the fabric of our minds.

God’s omnipresence conveys that He is present in all places, at all times. Psalm 139:7–8 declares, Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! There’s no corner of the universe or slice of time where God is not fully present.

God’s attribute of being eternal is portrayed beautifully in Revelation 1:8: ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.’ This suggests God exists beyond the bounds of time, leading to His attribute of unchanging or immutability (Malachi 3:6). Unlike mortal beings who change with time and experience, God remains constant, never increasing or diminishing.

God’s divine attributes consistently reveal His supreme holiness, a vital component of His glory. God’s holiness sets Him apart and serves as the standard of purity and righteousness for His creation to strive towards.

When the scriptures unfold stories where God’s holiness is paramount, we see an unforgettable image of who God is. Take, for instance, Isaiah’s vision in Isaiah 6:3b, where the seraphim cry, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory! Isaiah’s response denoted the right attitude toward God’s holiness: an utter humility and realization of his own sinfulness.

Similarly, Revelation 4:8b describes a heavenly scene in which the four living creatures never cease to repeat, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come! These continuous declarations of God’s holiness remind us of the amplitude of His glory, His weight, and His worthiness.

God, in His supreme holiness, invites us to be holy as He is (1 Peter 1:16). His holiness calls us to a higher standard of living. It bridges the gap between heaven and earth, putting into perspective our sinful nature and His righteous character, reminding us of God’s perfect nature and the life toward which we should strive at all times. As we pour over scriptures, we realize the expanse of His glory with increasing clarity—the heartbeat of His holiness thumping louder, drawing us to His infinite beauty and to a life that reflects His holiness and reveres His glory.

God’s Perfect Justice

We now turn our gaze towards another facet of God’s divine majesty—His perfect justice. It is crucial to understand that God isn’t just love or mercy. He is also righteous and fair. When we talk about God’s justice, we refer to His unwavering commitment to do right and uphold His perfect law.

Considering God’s righteousness and fairness, one can’t help but marvel at how He judges in accordance with His holy law, with integrity, impartiality, and truth. The scriptures illuminate this remarkable truth in plenty. Psalm 89:14 declares: Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.

God’s justice might seem stern and harsh on occasions, especially when we consider specific biblical stories. Yet, when we dive into these narratives, we discover that it is precisely His justice that safeguards God’s intrinsic holiness, upholding the sanctity of His law while demonstrating His merciful nature.

Among the undeniable exhibits of God’s justice are the Flood in Genesis and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, stories that underscore the severity of God’s justice. These accounts, while standing as warnings, also emphasize God’s grace, providing us glimpses of His heart for His creation.

In Genesis chapter 6, we learn about the precipitating incident that led to the Flood: The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually (Genesis 6:5). The condition of humanity’s heart distressed God, leading to the inundation of the earth. However, even in this act, God found righteous Noah and his family, preserving them and propagating life.

In Genesis chapters 18 and 19, we find the cataclysmic end of Sodom and Gomorrah, cities brimming with corruption and injustice. God’s decision was unwavering: sin cannot continue unchecked. Nevertheless, He heeded Abraham’s appeals and pledges to spare the cities if righteous people could be found. While Sodom and Gomorrah served as examples of God’s punitive justice, the deliverance of Lot and his family demonstrates His mercy interwoven with His justice.

God’s justice isn’t a divine temper flare-up or an arbitrary decision. It is characteristic of His nature, aligning with His holiness and righteousness. God’s justice assures us that when He judges, it is with fairness, wisdom, and in accordance with His divine law. It serves as a fixed, eternal standard regulated by His perfect wisdom.

God’s unwavering commitment to upholding fairness and justice is a beacon for us, guiding how we live. His perfect justice also assures us that there will be reconciliation, that everything broken will be made whole, and that righteousness will prevail. As Isaiah 30:18 reminds us, For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.

In the revelation of God’s justice, we note two crucial aspects: while God upholds His law commendably, He also exemplifies His mercy by providing an avenue for redemption. Though we fail continuously, His justice has been perfectly met in Christ. Knowing and understanding God’s justice helps us live in light of His glory and the hope that comes from God making everything right in His good timing.

The Limitations of Humanity

Let’s now explore the idea of human limitations. Let’s put it this way: no matter how intelligent, powerful, or good we humans may be, we can’t match up to God and His magnificence.

There’s a clear line between us humans (the creation) and God (the Creator). On our best days, we might create a great piece of art, invent a cool gadget, or write a fantastic song. But God? He made the entire universe out of nothing, each dazzling star in the night sky, each tiny blade of grass under our feet, every living creature across the globe, and even us humans, each with unique personalities.

Take a look at some of the people in the Bible who understood this difference—people like Job, Moses, and Isaiah. These men stood in God’s presence, and everything about their lives changed. They realized that compared to God’s infinite nature, all humans, including themselves, were simply finite, had a limited lifespan, knew only little, and could do only so much.

Job, a very righteous man by all accounts, went through unimaginable problems. But when God finally spoke, it wasn’t an explanation that Job received. Instead, God questioned Job about the details of creation, of which Job had no understanding. Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? (Job 38:4) And Job? He had no comeback. He realized his limit and declared, I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted (Job 42:2).

Consider Moses. He talked face-to-face with God and led God’s people out of Egypt. But even Moses was silenced in God’s presence. When he asked to see God’s glory, he received a glimpse of God’s back because no man could see God’s face and live (Exodus 33:20). Moses had to learn that he was still a human, although called and chosen by God.

Isaiah, a prophet of God, saw a vision of heaven in Isaiah chapter 6. His reaction? Did he celebrate his special status? No, he saw God’s holiness, felt his inadequacy, and confessed, Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts! (Isaiah 6:5)

The stories of these men illustrate the stark contrast between humanity and God. They remind us that although we have been created in God’s image, we are not God. We’re small compared to God’s greatness; our knowledge is limited, while His is limitless. We sometimes fail, but God never does. He is eternal, while we are temporal.

But knowing we’re finite in contrast to our infinite God doesn’t belittle us. Instead, it provides perspective. It helps us realize that we don’t have to bear the weight of the world on our shoulders. We don’t have to have all the answers because He does. Our weaknesses also make room for God’s strength to operate (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Recognizing our limitations teaches us to rely on God, trust Him, and outsource our worries and concerns to His infinite wisdom. It allows us to live in freedom, assured in His immeasurable power, orchestrated plan, and unfailing love. It’s in our acknowledgment of God’s grandeur, in contrast with our inadequacy, that we grasp another glimpse of His overwhelming, awe-inspiring glory. So, let’s hold on to this perspective as we continue our journey.

The Pervasiveness of Sin

As we’ve explored, God’s glory is spectacular. But one major obstacle keeps us from seeing, acknowledging, and celebrating it—sin. Before we go too far, let’s ensure we understand sin. At its core, sin is disobedience. It’s doing what God has commanded us not to do or not doing what God has commanded us to do.

Sin put a dark cloud between us and God. Think of it like this: you’re trying to look at a beautiful, bright, sunny day, but there’s a thick, dark curtain in your way. You may know the sun is shining, but you can’t see its light or feel its warmth. That’s what sin does—it prevents us from seeing God’s glory.

Sin isn’t just an ancient predicament passed down from Adam and Eve. It’s an individual problem every single person has to face. As Romans 3:23 confirms, For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Each one of us has missed the mark, strayed from the path, fallen short. And the worst part: even when we try our best, it’s impossible to avoid sin entirely because it’s part of our nature.

But sin doesn’t just create a barrier between us and God. It also closes our eyes to His glory. Much like damaging our eyes makes us unable to see the physical light of the sun, sin damages our spiritual sight, blinding us to God’s glory.

We are often seduced by sin that falsely promises pleasure, success, or fulfillment. Like the fruit in the Garden of Eden that was a delight to the eyes (Genesis 3:6), sin may seem attractive on the outside, but it only leads to spiritual death (Romans 6:23).

This is a harsh reality to accept. We prefer to think of ourselves as not so bad and sin as a minor issue, if an issue at all. But recognizing sin’s power is vital to understanding our need for a Savior. Just like we wouldn’t search for a cure if we didn’t know we were sick, we wouldn’t pursue salvation if we failed to realize our desperate need for it.

Through the Scriptures, God lovingly but honestly shows us how serious our condition is. He did not downplay our weaknesses; instead, He provided the solution. First John 1:9 says, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

This echoes the apostle Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 4:3–6:

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the God of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

As we grapple with the powerful reality of sin and its repercussions, there is a glimpse of hope. We’re not left in this sinful state with no way out. God has made a remarkable provision to restore our sight to His glory through Christ’s saving work.

So, be ready. It’s essential to understand the darkness of sin to appreciate the incredible light of God’s glory that much more. As we transition into the following chapters, we’ll explore this aspect further, discovering the tragedy of sin and, more importantly, the wondrous beauty of God’s grace. Get ready for the outstanding news of how God did everything necessary to help us see and relish His glory again through the work of Jesus Christ.

Chapter 2:

The Tragedy of Sin

Our exploration of God’s magnificent glory in the previous chapter equipped us with a sense of awe and reverence toward our Creator. Now, as we step into this next leg of our journey, we transition from that divine radiance to a darker yet equally vital subject—the tragedy of sin.

The purpose of this chapter isn’t to make us feel guilty or discouraged but to help us understand