Hope and Horror

The classic movie, The Wizard of Oz, takes a turn when Toto, Dorothy’s little dog pulls back a curtain and reveals that the Great Oz is a fraud, just a man pulling levers on a machine. There’s no magic, at all! I wonder if we have largely lost our capability for wonder in life because we have come to believe that all things are common, able to be explained if only we can find a way to tear open the curtain? I am thankful for the scientific discoveries that help us to live healthier, longer lives. I am grateful that we have inquiries that keep those in power in check, that help us to understand that those who lead us are but mere mortals.

But, there is a downside to our loss of wonder, too. We have reduced God to bite-size, too. Tamed, explained, trivialized, robbed of His majesty; He cannot guide nor guard. He is a Friend, but no longer a King. I watched a TV preacher speak to thousands yesterday of a God that commanded no respect, a god (small ‘g’ intentional) that was the blessing buddy. People applauded as this man rhapsodized about a deity that was unlike the One of Whom I read in the Holy Scripture this morning.

In the words of the prophets of the Old Testament, we find God is capable of inspiring great hope and equally terrible horror! He deeply loves His people, but He also holds them responsible for their choices and unapologetically demands their holy service. Habakkuk wonders at the foolishness of idol-making. “Of what value is an idol, since a man has carved it? Or an image that teaches lies? For he who makes it trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Come to life!’ Or to lifeless stone, ‘Wake up!’ Can it give guidance? It is covered with gold and silver; there is no breath in it.”

We do not carve wooden figures to receive our worship, but we do create our own gods. We reject the part of Him capable of wrath for the sinful, and hold onto the promise of Father love. Thus, God becomes, to us, a misshapen and twisted caricature, something we keep around for times of trouble. “But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.” (Habakkuk 2:18-20, NIV)

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the majesty of God.
Let Him be Who He is; amazing, infinite, holy, beautiful, omnipotent, worthy of honor.

"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen." (Romans 11:33-36, NIV)

Are you reverent? That sense of awe, of profound respect, is the heart of worship.
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You are beautiful beyond description,
Too marvelous for words,
Too wonderful for comprehension,
Like nothing ever seen or heard.
Who can grasp Your infinite wisdom,
Who can fathom the depth of Your love?
You are beautiful beyond description,
Majesty enthroned above.

And I stand, I stand in awe of You.
I stand, I stand in awe of You.
Holy God, to whom all praise is due,
I stand in awe of You.

I Stand In Awe
Altrogge, Mark
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