I remember visiting the Niagara Falls, on the US side, so I was really close to where the water plunges downward. I was in absolute awe over the power of the waters gushing over the cliffs. The roar was almost deafening. The intensity and speed of the rushing river. The height of the drop…my goodness, it was all simply breath taking! So I kind of have a good visual about the two stories Mr Lucado opens up chapter 4 with. Then he turns to an even more astonishing scene: the prophet Isaiah on the temple floor, right after seeing the Creator Himself! Coming face to face with the Holiness of God brought forth only one thought from Isaiah, “Woe is me, for I am ruined.” (p37) And why did he feel like he was completely undone? Because God’s Glory points utmost to God’s Holiness and he was immersed in it. Who can handle that kind of power and roar and intensity?
Mr Lucado reminds us that there is no other character trait of God that is, almost always, proclaimed three times in a row. You see, God is not Holy, or Holy, Holy, but Holy, Holy, Holy! The author says that, in Hebrew, saying something three times was like highlighting its vital importance. Holy means “cut off or separate.” He says it speaks about “His total uniqueness. Everything about God is different from the world he has made. What you are to a paper airplane, God is to you.” (p39) Then he suggests we grab a leaf of paper, make a plane and then challenge it to a spelling contest, a race around the block or a game of one-on-one basketball. Who will win, he asks? That paper airplane would have a lot of nerve to think it can win, wouldn’t it?
Sadly, we do this to God though, don’t we? Every time we think life is all about “me,” we are trying to lower God into our image, instead of allowing Him to raise us up and transform us into His! “Multiply the contrast between you and the paper plane by infinity, and you will begin to catch a glimpse of the disparity between God and us.” (p40) There is just no contest, God wins every time, hands down! There is just no way we could even come close. There is just no comparison between God and us…and that is such good news for you and me.
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
June: Spiritual Dad: “It’s Not About Me- Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy” by Max Lucado
<>< Peace, Diane
