“Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness” (NIV). “Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness” (Psalms 29:2). KJV
We will continue to take refuge under the glorious event of the resurrection. Take refuge from what? From the world’s attempts to pull us into a shallow celebration of the unique and glorious event.
By taking refuge under the resurrection I mean an extended time of consideration and reflection not only on the event itself, but on its outcomes as well.
The outcomes of the resurrection have an impact of cosmic proportions.
“The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed” (Romans 8:19).
The outcomes of the resurrection have an impact on personal levels. The resurrection is the basis of our new lives – resurrection lives.
This new life is a never-ending life…this new life – resurrection life will never end: “…and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:26). “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:23).
This extra characteristic of our resurrection lives spans both the temporal and eternal, and that characteristic is the beauty of holiness.
“Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness…” can be understood as “Worship the Lord in the beauty of your holiness”.
Our holiness is beautiful in the eyes of our God. He delights to see His holy people worshiping Him, ascribing Him glory and honour.
The beauty of our holiness is not beautiful in the eyes of the world. The world hates us (John 15:19; 1John 3:13). Don’t be surprised!
But God…?