Our God of Splendour and Majesty
by Annalene Holtzhausen
For many years I have been meeting someone to study the Bible together. We are a couple of women who meet every second week, and over the years we have worked through many Bible study courses together. Our current study is about our triune God - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
It’s an enlightening journey, and what I have found particularly valuable is that our focus has been on learning to know more about God’s character. Often our focus turns to our flaws and failings, and what we think we still need to learn or unlearn. But focussing on God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit brings a different perspective. It places God first, and then we learn and grow from being in Him.
I often think of Moses’ reaction in Exodus 3 when the Lord appeared to him in the burning bush. When he realised that it was God speaking to him, ‘he covered his face because he was afraid to look at God’ (Exodus 3:6).
In Exodus 33:18 Moses asked the Lord to show him His glory. The Lord replied: ‘“I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the Name of the LORD before you … But He said, “You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live”’ (Exodus 33:19a, & 20).
In Matthew 17:1-8, we read that Jesus led Peter, James and John up on a high mountain and He was transfigured before them. ‘His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light’ (verse 2). Moses and Elijah then appeared to them, talking with Jesus. A bright cloud overshadowed them, and then suddenly a voice came out of the cloud: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (verse 5). The disciples fell on their faces and were greatly afraid, but Jesus came and touched them and encouraged them. There are many more accounts in the Bible of people meeting God and humbly bowing down before His majesty and greatness.
Many of the discussions together have been around God’s sovereignty, and how we, as His followers, and His church, respond to who He is. Even though we cannot fully fathom God’s might and power, the Bible tells us enough to live before the Lord in reverence. Even though Jesus calls us His friends (John 15:15), we need to remind ourselves who He is. ‘For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His Name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace’ (Isaiah 9:6).
Annalene Holtzhausen is on the Associate Team at Ellel, Africa. She is married to Renier, who introduced her to Ellel Ministries. She is a full-time mother to their two boys. Her passion is for the restoration of women’s hearts and for people to find their worth in the Lord.
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