God Is Beautiful
For many years (a phrase which seems to introduce almost everything I say or write these days), I have thought about and preached on the subject of the beauty of God. I have never heard anyone teach on the subject, but I did through the decades come across two written sermons on the topic, “The Beauty of the Lord” by J. D. Jones and “Are There Shortcuts to the Beauty of Holiness?” (the short answer is “No!”) by A. W. Tozer. More recently, I read a review of a scholarly article about the American preacher Jonathan Edwards (of “sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” fame) that mentioned in passing that the beauty of God was one of the great themes in his preaching. I was thus encouraged that I have not headed off on an unprofitable tangent. In simple terms, beauty is that which attracts, causes a favorable interest, and creates an affinity. Such real, eternal beauty is found in our God. (I will be using this opening paragraph for each of the brief messages in this series. The following material will change daily.)
For the last few days, we have considered Psalm 110, the Jesus Psalm or the Song of Jesus. David, the king of canto, wrote this Messianic prophecy and rejoiced in its implications; the New Testament frequently applies these verses to God the Son, Jesus Christ. David marveled that this promised Saviour would be fully God (verse 1a). The poet rhapsodized about the glorious reign of his Lord, Who would be king of everything for eternity (verses 1b-3). Moreover, David probed the mystery of the Anointed One’s priesthood (verse 4). Finally, the psalmist predicted that our Warrior would prevail over all opposition (verses 5-7). Certainly, Jesus is beautiful in His fulfillment of these prophecies. In science, a theory which holds together is called elegant. Jesus is not a theory, but He is elegant. Colossians 1:17, speaking of Jesus, says, “He is before all things, and by Him all things consist [hold together].” He holds everything together – the atom, gravity, my life, your life, eternal life. Remember that on the Cross, He cried out, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Remember also that Philippians 1:6 promises us that”He Which hath begun a good work in you will perform [complete] it.” Our Lord is beautiful in His thoroughness; He is thoroughly beautiful.