The Joy of Glory

1 Samuel 2:2-10 (click here)
There is none holy like the LORD: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God. (1 Samuel 2:2)

Reflection
I was a diamond expert. At least for a few months of my life.

In 2003, I was on the hunt for the perfect diamond so that I might propose to Holly. I found myself in need of one of those little rocks that cost so stinking much… and why the high price?

To be certain, some of the expense can be credited to the economical law of supply and demand. Diamonds are rare and lots of people want them, thus they’re more expensive. But, I soon discovered there was more to it than that, for, not all diamonds are created equal. The price depends on various attributes:  carat, cut, color and clarity.

The greater, the more beautiful the attributes… the higher the value, because there is no other rock like that one.

Greater still, here is the foundational reality of the universe… “There is no rock like our God.”

Compared with God… all diamonds are but dust. He is in a category unto himself above all other created things. There is nothing like him and none beside him. He is above all, the supreme treasure of the universe! The Bible has a word for this as we clearly see in 1 Samuel 2:2… holy.

God is holy.

In economic terms… he is the rarest of gems… for there is only one of him. he is holy.

In existential terms… he is the highest of beings… all created things were made by him and derive their value from his value. There is none above or beside him… he is holy.

In aesthetic terms… he is the definition of perfection… if the greatness and beauty of his attributes cannot be measured because they go on forever… he is holy.

Rarer, greater, and more beautiful than any diamond is our God… there is no rock like him! I want to be an expert in his greatness, his goodness, his beauty… his glory! I want to know all of his attributes… see every facet… be awed by the one and only, holy God!

And I am in luck… for the glory of his holiness has been put on display everywhere for me to see! All of the creation displays the greatness of his power, the goodness of love, and the beauty of his creativity.

“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory (Isaiah 6:3)!” May we see it today! In his world… and his Word… may we see and believe that there is no rock like our God.

He alone is holy.

*All previous devotionals may be found at www.thejoyofglory.com
*The complete SVCC Lenten reading guide is available here.