Honor and Majesty

Honor and Majesty

“For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Honor and majesty are before Him; strength and gladness are in His place. Give to the Lord, O kindreds of the peoples, give to the Lord glory and strength.” 1 Chron. 16:26-28.

The real honor and majesty, the real strength and gladness, are found only in the place before the face of Christ. This is the place where we can make our heavenly calling sure. The Lord has made heaven where everything is everlasting and glorious. This is the eternal gathering place for all those who have followed Jesus in His humiliation. Jesus said, “The way you know.” This is the way of the cross and death over everything that belongs to the flesh with its desires and passions. Those who walk on this way belong to Jesus Christ. Gal. 5:24.

From this exalted place, we can wage a victorious war against the prince of this world and against the powers of darkness. If we compare the honor and majesty before God’s face to everything around us, we cannot but be filled with an inner strength and gladness. In this light all the idols of the peoples become as nothing.

Never have so many gods been worshiped as they are being worshiped today. Millions of young people worship their pop stars and sports stars. Thousands make a pilgrimage to their grave if one of them dies. These young people have most likely never heard of Jesus Christ, the hero of all heroes. However, we who have come to know Him worship Him alone and give Him power and glory.

There is a glorious flock of young people who are separate from all these idols of the peoples—and the young people that follow them—who are going to meet Christ, to be where He is forever. We read in Psalm 110:3: “Your people shall be volunteers in the day of Your power; in the beauties of holiness, from the womb of the morning, You have the dew of Your youth.” They are clothed with honor and majesty—the virtues of Christ—and dressed in this garment, they are fit for the heavenly mansions.

“His glory is great in Your salvation; honor and majesty You have placed upon him. For you have made him most blessed forever; you have made him exceedingly glad with Your presence.” Ps. 21:5-6. Our exalted strength is in the joy of the Lord. Neh. 8:10.

David rejoiced over all the glory that radiated from the Father to His Son Jesus Christ. David himself was raised up on high as the sweet psalmist of Israel. He was the anointed of God, and God’s Spirit could put His words on his tongue. 2 Sam. 23:1-2. He sang prophetically about the glory that would shine from Jesus as the One who is just, ruling in the fear of God. He would be like the light of the morning when the sun rises; a morning without clouds.

Jesus was anointed with the oil of gladness above His brethren because He loved righteousness and hated unrighteousness. Heb. 1:9. All God’s glory is revealed in God’s righteousness. All deception is revealed through the unrighteousness of those who are lost. Righteousness is eternal light, whereas unrighteousness is eternal darkness. 2 Thess. 2:10.

“But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.” Prov. 4:18. In this light we become worthy to serve in the ministry of righteousness and glory in the new covenant.

What are we to do with the strength and gladness of righteousness? “That you may have a walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakes of the inheritance of the saints in the light.” Col. 1:10-12.

This flock will be along in the resurrection of the just. Luke 14:14. Their lamps shine brightly.

“For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 2 Cor. 4:6.

God Himself has kindled this eternal light in our hearts through the gospel. Since we know that the knowledge of this exceedingly abundant glory shines only from God in the face of Christ, we must be in the right place so we can work with people and let the knowledge of the gospel shine as a help and a comfort. The gospel teaches us to hate every kind of sin and love all the words of life that have been given to us by God.

Several thousand young people among us in many countries sing this youth song by J.O. Smith: “Here before God’s face we stand, youth so full of hope. From the Holy Place we come like Ophir’s gold. Filled with courage, strength, and might, now we raise the cry, ‘War ‘gainst Satan, war ‘gainst sinning! We’ll fight till we die!’ Chorus: Lord, Thy young ones stand before Thee clothed in power and light. Sure in faith and purpose, we advance with might!” New Songs #108.

In this Spirit of faith it will succeed so that we will not be ashamed at Jesus’ coming. 1 John 2:28.