From the first pages of the Bible, the majesty of the Creator is the central theme. When Job encounters God, God begins with creation as a testament to His power and supremacy. God asks Job, the clearly rhetorical question, “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?” (Job 38:4). Then He lets Job in on a little secret. God recounts that while He was creating everything from nothing, “the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy” (Job 38:7, NLT). The angels, who are pretty spectacular themselves, seemed to be overwhelmed by the magnificence of God at work. These created beings weren’t in awe of the creation, but the Creator. They responded by shouting for joy and singing songs of worship to God. They just couldn’t hold back. They gave Him glory!
From the mighty angels of heaven to the smallest creature on earth, all of creation is made for the purpose of declaring the great glory of the Creator. Creation is a giant arrow pointing to the Creator.
The heavens declare the glory of God. Psalm 19:1
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory. Isaiah 6:3
Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made. Isaiah 43:7
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:36
Yet for us, there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. 1 Corinthians 8:6
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on the earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things were created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16
In every Bible story you’ve ever heard or read, it isn’t man’s glory or fame that’s being celebrated or highlighted. These characters aren’t the Christian version of comic book superheroes. The central theme and focus of each historical account in Scripture is God’s glory, splendor, and majesty. Think about a few classics.
Abraham is the spiritual father of the faithful, but he began his life as an idol worshiper. God claims the glory for rescuing, blessing, leading, and providing many offspring for this saint.
Long ago, your fathers lived beyond the Euphrates, Terah, the father of Abraham and of Nahor; and they served other gods. Then I took your father Abraham from beyond the River and led him through all the land of Canaan, and made his offspring many. Joshua 24:2-3