Eyes on His Majesty

 

Last night we watched a feature on the universe through the Hubble telescope and worshiped, ignoring the narrator who has no idea how all this came into being, nor why the galaxies swirl contrary to human logic and scientific reasoning. This morning, after singing several hymns and choruses and praising the One who created all things, I’m convinced more than ever that many Christians do not realize the importance of worship.

In Jesus’ model prayer, He begins with “Our Father” pointing to the relationship we have and how we are in the presence of our God who is “Daddy” our “Abba” then immediately He added, “Hallowed be Thy name.” I’ve started my prayers far too often with my ‘I want’ list rather than acknowledging the wonder of God.

Today’s devotional topic is “Living in a Worthy Manner” — a noble desire, yet I’m thinking of this verse:

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

A worthy walk only happens to those who are beholding the glory of the Lord. If I start examining my behavior, it quickly turns from a transforming focus on Jesus to self-centered naval-gazing, guilt that I don’t measure up, even excuses for why I’m not like Jesus. I must focus on Him and let Him convict me when I fall short. Note the progression in these verses:

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. (Colossians 1:9–12)

Being first filled with the knowledge of His will means having my nose in His Word with my thoughts in line with His thoughts, not wondering how am I doing, but know what Jesus is doing and how He lives and acts. Out of that comes a worthy walk. I cannot do it if I am checking off boxes or looking in the mirror to see what is missing or what is there.

Yes, I know I have a responsibility. The NT says to obey and “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” yet it adds, “for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12–13) In this verse, “work” means putting something into effect, or accomplishing something. Obviously, it is not a DIY project, but more like letting God have His way rather than me doing the work.

It is also looking to Jesus as the guide for life by examining His life, focusing on the way He lived here and how He treated people. Eyes on Him produces decision like His:

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. (1 Peter 2:21–23)

Some interpret this idea of following Jesus as a list of rules for life. I’ve heard, “Oh, Jesus would never do that” which can slide into a legalism, a way of being ‘worthy’ by a list of do’s and don’ts rather than by being filled with the Holy Spirit and the knowledge of Jesus in a personal relationship — where I hear His voice and do what He says as a normal way of life. It isn’t about self-examination as much as keeping my heart and focus on Him.

I don’t want to split hairs, but there is a difference. When my eyes are on Him, temptation is obvious and much easier to resist. The lies of the enemy also become easier to spot and reject. The only value I’ve found in checking my walk is realizing that worthiness is totally out of my reach. My heart needs to be clinging to Jesus.

Lord Jesus, I’m thankful that being close to You gives light, not just into the wonders of who You are, but also into clearly seeing my own sin. Your invitation is to keep confessing sin, because You promise to cleanse and forgive (1 John 1:9) but also to remember that even if I miss seeing it, You are my advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1) and You are “able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through You, since You always live to make intercession for me.” (Hebrews 7:25) Thank You for drawing me close and for being my Savior and my salvation!

MORE: Read Galatians 5:19-25. What is not like Jesus? What is like Jesus? How can I be more like Him and deal with the stuff that is from my old nature? (Again, see 1 John 1:9)

 

A firm foundation

 

Most Christians would say that God is sovereign yet often we respond to life as if He is not in charge. Perhaps this is why His Word is filled with reminders that He is all powerful and His DOMINION endures forever.

Yesterday a conversation prompted me to read Psalm 2 over the phone. The caller was rightfully indignant at decisions and actions in the world that make no sense. We agree that the Lord wants us to stand against injustice yet I felt compelled to repeat the reminder that God is in charge and “laughs at” the plans of leaders who defy Him. His dominion overwhelms all other rulers and authorities. We can voice the injustices we see yet that truth needs to be a solid foundation under our protests. The dominion of God gives our call for justice the credibility needed to keep our hearts from despair, not just at the injustice we see but when our prayers, cries and actions seem futile.

Dominion can mean — dominance, power, or sovereignty through legal authority such as the dominion given to kings and other authorities. Ultimately though, all dominion is under the realm of God’s rule. Dominion can be about that or about obedience given to His rule . . .

Bless the Lord, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! Bless the Lord, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will! Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul! (Psalm 103:20–22)

Disobedience to it or being oblivious to God’s sovereignty does not change the fact of it no more than a speeding motorist changes the law concerning speed limits. This is black or white, yes or no, never partly, or in only some areas. God rules, period.

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. The Lord is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works. (Psalm 145:13)

How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion endures from generation to generation. (Daniel 4:3)

How does His rule play itself out? Looking at Jesus is always a good way to answer questions about God. Jesus set aside His right of dominion, became a servant and died for the sin of the world. Doesn’t sound much like a sovereign God — yet that is not the end of the story:

We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. (Romans 6:9)

Death did not and does not dominate Jesus Christ or in any way exercise control over Him. He mastered death; death did not and cannot master Him. He is the author of life. He is life itself. When He returns, He will display the reality of His dominion. Even though we may not see it at this time, “He will display (it) at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.” (1 Timothy 6:14–16)

For that reason, Christians declare His controlling power to direct and determine, to govern. We submit to His rule over our lives because we understand that . . .  

Jesus Christ (is) the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1:5–6)

GAZE INTO HIS GLORY. Why is this important? Because it changes the way I live. It gives me endurance and the promise of heaven. Because Jesus lives in me, it also gives me power over sin and the ability to stand against the evil one, whether he is attacking me or enticing people around me to defy God. I want to be: “filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” (Colossians 1:9–12) I also want this: “sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace” (Romans 6:14) and to be “strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might, putting on the whole armor of God, that I may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:10–11) Thank God that His dominion is my victory!