The Timely Truth for this week is ... MAJESTY

When we consider the majesty of God, we often think of grandeur, splendor and regal authority. These attributes indeed capture the essence of God’s majestic nature. However, the biblical concept of majesty goes way beyond mere physical or earthly grandeur; it speaks to the divine character and actions that reflect God’s supreme power, authority and holiness.

The psalmist exclaims in Psalm 8:1 (NIV), ”Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens.” This verse is a powerful reminder that God’s majesty is evident throughout creation. From the intricate details of a snowflake to the vast expanse of the universe, every aspect of creation points to the majesty of our Creator.

When we witness the breathtaking beauty of a mountain range, the serene vastness of the ocean, or the intricate patterns of a flower, we are given a glimpse of God’s majestic handiwork. These manifestations of God’s power and creativity are not just random acts of nature but are deliberate expressions of His glory and sovereignty.

One of the profound ways we can appreciate God’s majesty is by reflecting on His sovereignty over our lives. Jeremiah 32:17 (NIV) declares, ”Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” In this verse, we are reminded that the same God who spoke the universe into existence is intimately involved in the details of our lives. His majesty is not just observed from a distance, but can and is experienced personally through His providence and care.

Another dimension of God’s majesty is His holiness. Isaiah 6:3 (NIV) records the seraphim calling out, ”Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” God’s majesty is intrinsically linked to His holiness. His perfection and purity set Him apart from all creation, and His holy nature demands our reverence and awe.

Rev. Jack Hayford, senior pastor of the Church of The Way in Van Nuys, California, wrote a popular contemporary song that praises the majesty of Christ. Pastor Hayford relates the following account for the writing of “Majesty:”

“In 1977, my wife Anna and I spent our vacation in Great Britain, traveling throughout the land from the south country and Wales to the northern parts of Scotland,” Hayford said. “It was the same year as the 25th Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation, and symbols of royalty were abundantly present beyond the usual.”

While viewing many of the ancient castles throughout the land, he began to reflect on the truth that Christ’s provisions for the believer not only include forgiveness for sin but also restoration to a royal relationship with God as His sons and daughters. We’ve been born into the heavenly family through His Majesty.

“As Anna and I drove along together, at once the opening lyrics and melody of ‘Majesty’ simply came to my heart,” Hayford added. “I seemed to feel something new of what it meant to be His—to be raised to a partnership with Him in His throne.”

In our personal walk with God, we are called to recognize and respond to His majesty. This response involves worship, reverence, and obedience. Worship is a natural outflow of acknowledging God’s majesty. As we worship, we declare His greatness and honor Him for who He is. Obedience follows as we submit to His sovereign will, trusting that His plans and purposes are perfect and good.

This week, as we celebrate Christmas, take note of the great majesty of Christ, who left his heavenly home to become born of a virgin, live more than three decades on earth a sinless man, and die at the hands of unfair men on a Roman cross. But also take heart in His resurrection majesty and that our King of Kings reigns forever.

From my family to you, I pray you have a blessed and Merry Christmas.