Isn’t it intriguing how famous people can hold such persuasion?
Companies lure potential customers by advertising with a celebrity’s face. Political parties lure potential voters with endorsements by a celebrity. They rely on a false sense of connection to a status symbol.
By and large, most people do not personally know a famous person. Many like to think they do, but it’s really a ‘knowing of’ or ‘knowing about’ through filtered information in the media.
The greatest book of all time, the Bible, celebrates One who is famous – the Most High God! As the prophet Jeremiah proclaimed, “No one is like you, LORD; you are great and your name is mighty in power” (Jeremiah 10:6 NIV, letter R for renowned in Follow and Lead).
God’s works have been retold through centuries of generations so his greatness will not be forgotten.
In the early-1000s BC, Psalm 102:12 was penned: “But you, LORD, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations” (NIV). In the early-600s BC, Habakkuk the prophet said, “LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, LORD. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy” (Habakkuk 3:2 NIV).
Shortly after Jesus resurrected, in the early-30s AD, the apostle Stephen chronicled the renown of God to the supreme court of ancient Israel, resulting in his stoning – the first Christian martyr. In the mid-50s AD, the apostle Paul wrote, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse” (Romans 1:20 NIV).
God is renowned and he wants us to know him personally.
Even more, he provides so that we can!
Jesus told his disciples, “If you really know me, you will know my Father as well” (John 14:7a NIV, letter K for knowable in Follow and Lead). The God of the universe, through Jesus’ sacrifice, allows us to not only know him but also remain in relationship with him through the Holy Spirit. Jesus also told his disciples, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – the Spirit of truth.” (John 14:16-17a NIV). May we know Jesus so well that we love him, obey him, and remain in him by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Let’s take time today, and each day, to praise God for his greatness, to thank him for his mercy, and to honor him because he is worthy!
Spread the news of how great God is by giving a Heart Training book as a gift to someone you care about!