Little God Makers

For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself.  Hebrews 3:3

Oh, what little god makers are we!  No matter where we worship, if it’s not at the feet of Jesus, it’s both laughable and tragic.  Whether golden calves or statues of Athena, God made the gold and the bronze and He is not even considered.

If I read Hebrews and imagine Paul, or whomever, writing a series of verses as casually as he would write a letter to a friend, I misjudge him.  I render myself incapable of imagining the intensity with which he speaks.  At what hour of the night did he awaken to light a candle and pour out these powerful words.

“Wake up. Jesus is more glorious than Moses.”

Though this letter was written to Jewish people, and though most (to this day) still revere their heroes of the faith, I am easily as guilty of holding God’s creations in reverence. I can dream of meeting Moses one day because he held the 10 commandments in his hand and saw the face of God.  Why am I not as taken with beholding the face of God for myself? I hold something greater in my hands than a tablet of stone; the completed revelation of God.  At this moment, it sits inches away from me as I write.  At great cost to Martin Luther, and others, it has been translated into English so that I could enjoy the privilege of opening it and feasting at God’s table.

I can worship a famous musician, a sports star, a well-known Christian author, a childhood home, even things such as a rare collection of cars, teapots, Hummel figurines, gold coins, rare books, and grey tabby kittens.  The list is endless and whether man, or object, each is preposterous.

The writer of Hebrews has beheld Jesus in all His glory.  The message is clear and compelling.  Look up.  See who is in front you.  You’re overlooking the creator and fixated on His creation.  You’re missing the greater glory.  Your awe is misplaced.   Hear the distant thunder of hooves.  The glorious One, with more glory than you can ever comprehend is coming for you.

“I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” Revelation19:11-16