Awesome . . .

What does “awesome” really mean? It inspires awe. What is awe? It’s a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear and wonder. It is clothed in mystery. It implies things that are too great, too magnificent for us to fathom.

The incarnation of Jesus Christ is a tremendous mystery. To think that the Creator of all the galaxies and planets—including Earth—would take on human flesh is mind-boggling. After all, He is also the One who made the tiniest microscopic atoms. Just think—He’s keeping your heart beating right now. It doesn’t just tick by itself!

The angels whom He created were amazed to see Him come to live among us as a man. The world has heard about Him and many have accepted Him as their Guide and source of strength in everyday life and their hope for eternity. He has returned to heaven, to be welcomed into the celestial courts, there to plead in our behalf.

It’s awesome to imagine. Yet, how many today cheapen that beautiful word, “awesome” to use in casual—even flippant—conversation on trivial matters. But this word is really only intended to inspire great reverence for the Almighty. The psalmist prayed, “Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word” (Psalm 119:161).

“The Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him. Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still” (Psalm 4:3, 4). Be still enough so you can hear His voice speaking to your heart through His Spirit.

"The hand that sustains the worlds in space, the hand that holds in their orderly arrangement and tireless activity all things throughout the universe of God, is the hand that was nailed to the cross for us.

“The greatness of God is to us incomprehensible. ‘The Lord's throne is in heaven’ (Psalm 11:4); yet by His Spirit He is everywhere present. He has an intimate knowledge of, and a personal interest in, all the works of His hand.”—Education, p. 132. That includes you.

Isn’t that awesome!