Yesterday we picked back up with our, “Only God” series at Southbrook Church. It was great to dive back in—especially after 3 weeks away form this great book. And, to make it even better, we are approaching one of the greatest chapters in all the Bible—Hebrews 11–-the “Hall of Faith.”
This “Hall of Faith” moniker has definitely stuck over the years—not sure where it first began, but it’s not hard to imagine it starting several places at once when you consider how much Americans love superheroes. Yep, we love to put people on a pedistool and idolize them (literally, with shows like, “American Idol). However, I find it hard to imagine that God set these great men and women apart just so that we could worship them.
Last time I checked (and the time before that even) God wasn’t in the habit of sharing his glory with any created being.
“So don’t be afraid: I’m with you. I’ll round up all your scattered children, pull them in from east and west. I’ll send orders north and south: ‘Send them back. Return my sons from distant lands, my daughters from faraway places. I want them back, every last one who bears my name, every man, woman, and child Whom I created for my glory, yes, personally formed and made each one.'” Isaiah 43:5
“For I know their works and their thoughts, and the time is coming to gather all nations and tongues. And they shall come and shall see my glory,…” Isaiah 66:18
And He’s none to pleased when we exchange that glory for cheap stuff.
“Because of all this, I’m bringing charges against you” —God’s Decree— “charging you and your children and your grandchildren. Look around. Have you ever seen anything quite like this? Sail to the western islands and look. Travel to the Kedar wilderness and look. Look closely. Has this ever happened before, That a nation has traded in its gods for gods that aren’t even close to gods? But my people have traded my Glory for empty god-dreams and silly god-schemes.” Jer. 2:9
The Hall of Fame idea is ok, I suppose—if you don’t get carried away. On the other hand, when have you ever witnessed Americans NOT getting carried away with themselves? We’re glory hogs, plain and simple. And isn’t hat strange in light of the fact that Jesus—the Son of the Living God—didn’t even take glory for Himself when He walked this earth? Certainly He could have! But check this out:
Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me.” John 8:54
Yet we are a nation of self promoters.
Even the men and women annionted to carry the Good News—pastors, Christian public figures, para-church leaders—there’s a new trend toward “Rock Star Ministries.”
Sad.
God said he would not share his glory with anyone.
Seems we’re not sharing either.
I wonder who will win this stalemate?