Paragon Church

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Day 14 - Glory Road

PSALM 96:2-7 (ESV) - Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples. For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!

There is a street in Green Bay, Wisconsin named Glory Road. This street reminds residents and visitors of Green Bay that the city’s professional football team, the Green Bay Packers, has won more championships than any other professional football team in the U.S.—thirteen championships in its ninety- two year existence. One of the ironies of Packer glory is that, except for a very small minority, the names of most of the 1600(+) men who have ever played for the Packers over its ninety-four year history have been forgotten. Glory is fleeting.

The Bible often speaks of the glory of God. Glory refers to the fame, renown, and honor ascribed or attributed to God because of his great deeds and perfect attributes. John Piper defines God’s glory as “the radiance of his holiness, the radiance of his many infinitely worthy and valuable perfections”! The book of Psalms is the prayer book of the people of God and its prayers and prose describe eloquently God’s deeds and attributes. The psalmist repeatedly speaks of God’s righteousness, justice, steadfast love, holiness, and faithfulness. These attributes are unchanging. God’s glory is not fleeting as human glory is.

God calls us to declare his glory among the nations, to ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. His people are also called on to sing, praise, and proclaim. All these actions speak of worship and witness. They are in response to and centered on the strength, splendor, majesty, deeds, salvation, and glory of God. The psalm reminds us that the life and character of the people of God should reflect the character and attributes of God—his glory—to the world.

C. S. Lewis once said, “Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in, aim at earth and you get neither.” Lewis’ admonition helps us reimagine our lives lived for the glory of God where our actions, desires, words, and choices are shaped by our love for and delight in God. Earthly glory is fleeting—like the forgotten performance of an old football player. The glory of God is lasting and reorients the way we live in this world.

PONDER: What are things you could do today that would glorify God?

DISCUSSION or REFLECTION:
Picture your favorite athlete. People tend to glorify athletes. We wear their jerseys, we give them awards, and we wait all week to watch them play. Now what would happen if we transferred this passion and excitement to God? What would it look like?

Read Psalm 96:2-7 again. Who are some of your favorite athletes or celebrities? Why are they your favorite? Athletes often bring attention to themselves. However, this passage shows us that instead we get to bring attention to God. What kind of attention are you bringing to God?

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