God's Glory in the Church 9/15/206

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

I love the old hymns, especially the ones that walk us through the story of God and remind us of his glorious grace. 

How Great Thou Art is one of those hymns. 

Verses 1-2 walk us through Creation and point us to the God who created all things.

Verse 3 takes us to the Cross and shows us the God who forgives.

Verse 4 takes us to the moment of Christ's return.

Songs like this are full of spiritual food, a soundtrack for life. We need to hear the emphasis on God as Creator and Redeemer and on God coming again. But, sometimes, I think we forget about the glory of God revealed today in his (still imperfect) bride. A group of believers who faithfully gather to worship God, devoted to the scriptures, fellowship, prayer, and the Lord's Table (Acts 2:42) doesn't seem all that glorious to us. But we should be amazed, because God sent his Son to redeem a people for Himself, to rescue his enemies, and to build them up into a glorious temple for his praise. Right now we have to work to "maintain unity in the bond of peace". Life with God's people can be difficult, our work may seem small, but one day the bride will be unveiled before her husband and on that day we shall see the glory of God in the face of his beloved bride. Until then, we possess something truly amazing, a foretaste of heaven in the church. 

I wanted to convey something of that glory, so I wrote another verse to How Great Thou Art. The verse may not improve on the original, but it reminds me of the glory of God revealed in his gathered people.

How Great Thou Art (additional verse)

"And when I look round and I see your people 

gathered togeth'r in splendor clothed your bride

from every tribe and tongue they worship and show 

the heav'nly pow'rs, O Lord how great you are"

(Scriptures for reflection: Psalm 45:9-12, Ephesians 5:22-33, Ephesians 3:10)

In Christ's Service,

Matt