Awesome God

We have too small a view of God. Signs are all around our culture. Two bumper stickers I saw recently bring this into stark view. One read "God is my co-pilot" and the other, a celebration of Dale Earnhart, "I guess God needed a driver." I also heard recently that a Christian merchandising company, with complete disregard for the 2nd commandment, is planning to make a 2 foot "stuffed God" complete with a flowing white beard.

Although I have not read Richard Dawkins' The God Delusion, apparently one of his key arguments against the existence of God is that the universe is huge and God would need to be even bigger and more awesome than the universe. Yes, Dr Dawkins, He would need to be and He is.

God needs nothing from us. He is the great I AM.

King David did not have a small view of God. Consider Psalm 97: 1-7.

The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice;
let the many coastlands be glad!
Clouds and thick darkness are all around him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.
Fire goes before him
and burns up his adversaries all around.
His lightnings light up the world;
the earth sees and trembles.
The mountains melt like wax before the Lord,
before the Lord of all the earth.

The heavens proclaim his righteousness,
and all the peoples see his glory.
All worshipers of images are put to shame,
who make their boast in worthless idols;
worship him, all you gods!

Fire goes before Him, not a polyester white beard. He burns up those who stand against Him. The earth itself trembles. Mountains melt. Have you ever tried to melt a stone? Even just a pebble? In God's presence, mountains melt away like wax. Does this really seem like someone who needs a driver?

American Christians have a hard time understanding the concept of fear of God. David got it. So did Abram, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and John--all Godly men--all terrified in the presence of God. If you read about any of these men, you will discover that when they encountered the glory of God, they immediately fell on their face. I doubt they tenderly got to their knees and then slowly laid on the ground. They fell out.

It is only through Christ's sacrificial work on the cross that we can bear to be in the presence of our holy and powerful God. When it says to fear God, take it seriously. He is truly awesome. When we understand his awesomeness and what it means to fear Him, the gift of Christ on the cross will also lead us to a much deeper humility.

Choose Your Words Carefully

awe-an overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration, fear, etc., produced by that which is grand, sublime, extremely powerful.

awesome-inspiring awe.

As a child of the 80's, I am quick to pronounce something awesome.

• "Wow, that was an awesome cheeseburger."
• "Jason, here is the paperwork you requested." "Awesome"
• "Honey, the kids and I are ready to leave." "Awesome."

Unfortunately, as a culture, I think we have stripped many words and concepts of their power. Something that is awesome is exceedingly powerful and overwhelming--never a description for a cheeseburger. It is a description for God. In the past when people said they served an awesome God, it meant something. Now, believers and unbelievers alike yawn, shrug their shoulders, and move on.

During the past week, I have sought to stop saying "awesome" unless I am talking about God. Let us choose our words carefully and not lose sight of He who is truly awesome.

The Lord will be awesome against them; for he will famish all the gods of the earth, and to him shall bow down, each in its place, all the lands of the nations.--Zephaniah 2:11