How would you define the word “great?” How many synonyms for “great” can you list? Is it the size of something or the significance of the object? Is it the uniqueness or the superior quality? It seems often the word is used to describe an event or an object that is simply above normal or better than average? How have you used or heard the idea of greatness in the last week or two?
When the word “great” is used to describe the attributes and character of God, however, it takes on a whole new level of meaning from our day to day use, doesn’t it? One moves from the level of excellence or outstanding to supreme or incomparable. Our God is in a totally different category when it comes to greatness because He is the essence of perfection. He is the Creator of all that exists. He is the designer and sustainer of the universe, unsurpassed in any part of His being. He is purity and consummate goodness that is beyond our imagination or speculation. Perhaps the most amazing aspect of His greatness is revealed in His desire to have a relationship with you and with me, made possible through the life, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, His One and Only Son.
When you think about the greatness of God, what helps you to put into words the ideas you have? Perhaps it is Scripture or poetry or a conversation with a friend expressing your praise and thanksgiving to God. Often it can be found in the music of the church. In 1949 a British missionary to the Ukraine, Stuart Hine, used an old German poem as the basis for his hymn that beautifully summarizes various aspects of the greatness of our God – “How Great Thou Art”. The words draw us into the awesome wonder of creation in the first 2 verses and then move us to the cross and crucifixion of Jesus. With great joy, the final stanza focuses on the anticipation of Christ’s return and our heavenly home. Perhaps you can recall other songs that help you to stand in wonder and awe as you think of His majesty and splendor, His power and compassion, and above all His amazing love. What moves your heart and mind today as you think about your Great God?