[Discoveries] 04-04-07 Exalting the name of the LORD

[Inspiration in Your Inbox]

/*Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together. -- Psalm 34:3*/

Why do we need to exalt God's name? Is it because God's name is in such 
trouble that it needs to be propped up by us?

I don't think so. Rather, God is inviting us to come out of the darkness 
into the light. When we see God clearly, in the light, then exalting His 
name is as automatic and as necessary as breathing.

We may exalt God's name in many different ways. Some are overwhelmed by 
the cross. Others by the love of God. Others by the wisdom of His ways. 
Still others by His holiness.

Personally, I can't seem to get over God's work in our lives. Here we 
are, a bunch of sinners, that God could have written off as bad debt and 
started over. But He didn't. Jesus came to rescue us.

Jesus died on the cross -- something way beyond my mind's ability to 
comprehend or my heart's ability to take in. That is love so amazing 
that all my "thank You's" seem hollow and cheap when stacked up next to it.

But here is something I do begin to understand. Jesus hung out with us. 
He likes us. I've often felt like Zaccheus -- I'd just like to get a 
look at Jesus. But Jesus doesn't let us get away with that. He sees us 
there on the fringe, shy and hopeful and filled with wonder. And He 
stops. He looks at us, and says, "Your place, today, right now."

Zaccheus, as you know, gave half his wealth to the poor and promised to 
pay back four times anyone he may have cheated. How did he get to be so 
spiritual?

Most people start at the wrong place. Most people want to start you on a 
generosity program where you start by tithing 1% of your income and 
giving 5 minutes of your day to God, and work your way up from there. 
But this isn't how God works.

Jesus didn't come to Zaccheus's house to start a giving campaign. He 
just saw him there -- just like He sees you and me -- afraid maybe to be 
noticed but longing to be included -- and the arms of Jesus reach out 
and draw us in.

Do we do anything for God? If we do, I hardly think it is possible for 
us to notice. We are too occupied with something far more important. 
Jesus found me and He's coming to my house today.

Be encouraged!
Dwight


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