High and Holy Is Our God
A number of years ago, I was at a conference in Chicago and a tall Middle Eastern-looking man made his acquaintance with me. His initial words were, “Greetings in the name of the Most High One.” After a 2-3 second pause, he followed that statement with, “Our Lord Jesus Christ.” For a brief moment during the pause, I was not sure to whom I was speaking. Was this man a Muslim? A Hindu? I was not accustomed to hearing a Christian greet me with such a phrase: “Greetings in the name of the Most High One — Our Lord Jesus Christ.” I have to admit I like the ring of it.
This man had a name I could not pronounce. He said that in coming to this country, he realized people would butcher his name, so he took the Bible name Silas. Silas was from Nepal. As I got to know him during that week-long class at Moody Bible Institute, we had several conversations. In one conversation he admitted that he was struggling to understand the lack of respect “Westerners” show God. For example, Silas said that in the culture he grew up in, one would never place the Bible on the floor. In his homeland, every family had a belief of some sort. Each house had a special place where the family’s “Holy Book” was placed. A Bible (for Christians), a Koran (for Muslims), a Tripitaka (for Buddhists) — all of these books are to be revered by their respective followers. Silas explained to me that in every Christian home, the Bible was placed in a special location. When it was read, the family gathered in reverence. In contrast, this man said that as he visited the homes of Christians in the United States, Bibles were treated with disrespect. Silas commented, “Bibles are tossed here and there if they are read at all.” He expressed the same reservations about prayer among Christians here. He was asking, “Where is the respect we must have for our Great God?”
While his questions have merit, the issue points to the uniqueness of the Christian faith. Every major “faith” in this world fears their god or gods. Their deity provokes fear and uncertainty. Christianity is unique in that God has sought us out. Every faith (other than Christianity) has men and women attempting to bribe their god. In these faiths, the adherents hope to do enough “good works” or “special deeds” so that the gods will be impressed. In all pagan religions, one can never find peace when thinking about “meeting” or “standing before” God. Christianity is quite different. The Christian Gospel tells us that God knows every mistake we make. God knows all of our shortfalls, yet He still chooses to love us. This love is shown in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus encourages us to do the unthinkable; He tells us to call God our Heavenly Father.
Perhaps it is in this “family” concept that we relax towards God. I am not trying to find fault with a comfortable relationship with God. As a matter of fact, God calls us to find peace and hope in Him. If Jesus calls us his “brothers” and “sisters” (and He does), we should revel in the grace and mercy that He shows us. I simply think, however, that my friend Silas was making a valid point and an accurate observation. While we must bathe in the love and grace God showers on us, we should revere and respect Him. This balance of Godly awe and passionate rejoicing is something we must intentionally work toward. Keep looking up!