Bible Reading Plan | Devotion for the week of April 11, 2021

Weekly reading: Acts 1-5; Psalm 7-8
Passages referenced: Psalm 8:1,3; 139:7-10; 147:5;
Isaiah 40:12-14; Romans 6:9, 8:37-39

In Psalm 8:1, David sings, “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (ESV)

The dictionary says that majestic means to have or show impressive beauty or dignity. When I think of impressive beauty, I tend to think of nature. Last year my husband and I took a road trip down to the Great Smoky Mountains. One of my favorite spots was Abram Falls: a 4-mile hike to see a rushing waterfall in the forefront of brilliant fall-colored trees. It was breathtaking, even somewhat majestic, and one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen.

I think many of us have no issue appreciating the majestic nature of material things – exotic travels, successful relationships, attractive appearances, and more. Yet, we struggle to appreciate and understand the majestic nature of our God. So who exactly is our God, and why does He deserve the attribute of majestic?

Our God is the creator of the universe. Psalm 8:3 says, “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place.” (ESV)

Our God is omnipotent – He can do anything (see Matthew 19:26),

Omniscient – He knows everything (see Psalm 147:5),

And omnipresent – He is everywhere (see Psalm 139:7-10)!

Our God unconditionally loves those He calls His children (see Romans 8:37-39).

Our God has dominion over everything, including death (see Romans 6:9).

Sometimes we hear these attributes of God repeatedly and forget just how impressive our God actually is. We even may tend to limit God, His character, and His capabilities. However, Isaiah 40:12-14 paints a perfect picture of our God’s limitless, majestic character:

Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance? Who has measured the Spirit of the Lord, or what man shows him his counsel? Whom did he consult, and who made him understand? Who taught him the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding? (Isaiah 40:12-14, ESV)

 Wow, what a contrast between what God can do and what we cannot do. Our God can do anything, and He does not need anyone’s counsel, understanding, or knowledge. In scripture, God is sometimes called Naddir Kavod (in Hebrew), meaning Majestic Glory. God is the most impressive beauty. We should be in constant awe over our God Himself and all that He can do. Not even Abram Falls can compare to the majestic glory of our God. So now I ask you, does God take your breath away?

 Reflection Question

• What are some things in your life that take your breath away? Is there something or someone that is taking precedence over your awe with God?

Note

This week kicks off our reading of the book of Acts. This 28-chapter book was written by Luke, the same author of the Gospel of Luke. It is a continuation of his account of what Jesus did and taught, first in person (in Luke) and then through the Holy Spirit in the Early Church (Acts).

A great resource whenever starting to read and study a new book is The Bible Project – especially their overview videos. They are an excellent source for background information and context as they walk through the book’s sections and themes. And they can be really helpful for those who appreciate some visuals while learning. Here’s their video for Acts 1-12: https://youtu.be/CGbNw855ksw.