NO Rival, NO Equal

For several years now I've been deeply moved by several worship songs. One that sparked what I'm writing here re-appeared a few Sundays ago- "What a Beautiful Name".

To be honest, there are those hyper-critical of the theology, doctrine and/or stumble at particular words and/or phrases, not only in this song but plenty of others. I understand and sometimes agree though vigilance isn't automatic discernment. Further, our own theology is often flawed whether we're humble enough to admit or even recognize it this side of heaven.

In short, I don't believe those prone, I mean the sort who by nature employ super-criticism by way of extreme certainty (note, to their own understanding and interpretation of Scripture much less some author's use of symbolism and metaphors in language!) are always wise or correct though they may think they regularly are.

So there's the preface, now on to the core of this message...

Two of my fave lines in any song over the past years are "You have no rival, You have no equal".

I myself could take issue with the word "rival" but I'm rather sure the writer/s meant "nobody compares to you and so You have no true rival because there is NO. OTHER. GOD."

"Equal"? HA!

If you've read or heard me much over time you've noticed I continually return to a sadly common human desire to replace God with self. Humans created in the image of God still sin, are not and cannot sensibly claim to BE God and in the end escape the gut-blasphemy of such a ridiculous claim. We so want our way we determine to have it, get it, even maim, kill and destroy to be... Him!

In my first year of Bible study the obvious rose up from the Book of Psalms and so many other Bible texts that God alone would have our worship and utter commitment. The reality is nobody else deserves it.

In the Ten Commandments (not options!) He gave Moses, the very first is "You shall have no other gods before Me."

With the massive amount of Scripture from the Book of Genesis to Revelation it was and is clear both He and the writers state this over and over in various ways.

The entire idea of worship is finally intentional, focused praise, thanksgiving and the glorifying of Him rather than human beings or created things.

Yet there were nagging moments in my first year of discipleship where my spiritually immature and self-centered brain thought "Wow, are there elements of pride, arrogance and self-focus in God, like I and all human beings? He calls for us to totally seek Him all the time!"

In those months I began to know both His Word and His daily dealings with myself and others in -relationship-. I realized to judge God like you might humans was not only foolish but ridiculous. One core, key reason? HE REVEALS HIMSELF AS HE IS IN TRUTH: HE HAS -NO- EQUAL.

God wants all to know Him in love and relationship and if you really think about it the fact He alone IS God, IS Truth (Jesus said "I am... the way, the truth and the life", things fall into place -and fall before His feet in worship.

NO equal. According to Jesus' teaching God seeks after those who "worship Him in spirit and truth". He IS the Spirit and Truth itself!

Mystery is also certain, absolute certainty is not. Why? We are all incapable of BEING God, though if and as (huge little words there...) we seek and follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, desire and worship God alone, interact in faith, love and obedience we find the hope and grace of God (wait for it) because He is, and "is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him". We find not only in mind and Scripture but by experience day after day HE. HAS. NO. EQUAL.

Who else is worthy of the honor ("worship" core meaning in Hebrew, Greek and human practice) of being God? No one. Boom.

As always, thanks for stopping by. -Glenn