If I asked you, “What’s the most popular flower?”, you’d probably get the answer right. It’s the rose. En masse on the bush, they provide a striking sight—dozens of large blooms framed by dark green leaves.
But most of us can’t pass by a rose-bush without leaning in close to view the soft petals, and breathe in the singular scent. To study a blossom up close enhances our appreciation.
We notice the varying colors, the delicate curl of each petal, the intricate, spiraling pattern. Our sense of wonder increases the more we gaze.
Might the same be true as we study the beauty of our God? That’s what David wanted to do:
(“One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple” (Psalm 27:4).
But how can we gaze upon an invisible God? By contemplating all his glorious attributes. One commentator described the beauty of the Lord as the harmony of his perfections. I like that.
Just as the petals of a rose create a harmony of color, pattern, symmetry, and form, so the traits of our holy God manifest a harmony of perfect grace, holiness, triunity, and power.
And though we may be acquainted with a number of God’s attributes, appreciation of their beauty expands with a close-up view—through the lenses of scripture and personal experience. For example:
God’s beautiful grace becomes visible in the story of the prodigal son, as we witness the father actually running to welcome his wayward son home. He throws his arms around the filthy youth, even kissing him (Luke 15:11-20).
God’s glorious holiness (purity, righteousness, and separateness from everything else in the universe) is highlighted in Revelation 4:1-11 as John strains for words to describe the Lord of heaven…
… ”Seated on the Throne, suffused in gem hues of amber and flame with a nimbus of emerald…Lightning flash and thunder crash pulsed from the Throne. Seven fire-blazing torches fronted the Throne (these are the Sevenfold Spirit of God)” — vs. 3-5, The Message.
God’s harmonious triunity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is celebrated in Ephesians 1. Paul reminds us that:
- God the Father bestows all spiritual blessings upon us (v.3).
- God the Son provided redemption and forgiveness of our sin (v.7).
- God the Spirit guarantees our inheritance in heaven and gives us assurance (vs. 13b-14).
And God’s magnificent power is on display throughout scripture and creation, even in our personal lives. Our Heavenly Father is a God of infinite wisdom, unfailing guidance, strong empowerment, attentive care, competent help, rich blessings, and more.
We can contemplate each of these attributes as we would the individual petals of a perfect rose. We can remember occasions when he has demonstrated each trait in our lives. And perhaps we’ll burst into song as Moses did:
(“Who among the god is like you, O Lord? Who is like you–majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” — Exodus 15:11).
* * * * * * * * * *
My heart fills with wonder and praise, O Lord, because you are a beautiful, holy God. No one is your equal in power, wisdom, creativity, splendor, or love. No one else is perfect in all he does. And you, in all your holy glory are My. Heavenly. Father. Such statements are too glorious to comprehend!
But oh, how grateful I am that they are true.
(Photo & art credits: www.dorsetcereals.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.ameliarhodes.com; http://www.luke-15.org; http://www.praisejesustoday.com.)
From the Inside Out 