What Do I Know of Holy?

First off, I just have to say this: spring fever + senioritis do not make me a very good student at all.  I wrote this blog during class today.  And I mean wrote...remember when people used papers & pens?  So, be thankful you're reading this nicely typed version & not this:

...cause when I get excited, my handwriting also gets excited & does not turn out so well.

I have several things to say that are going to seem pretty unrelated, but hang in there...it all relates, I promise.  At least it does in my head...

A week or so ago I started reading the Left Behind series by Tim LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins.  I read the kid ones when I was little, but have never read the "grown-up" ones.  And they. are. so. good.

They prompt so many questions.  I know I won't be here in the days that LaHaye & Jenkins have fictionalized, but still...I don't think God put the book of Revelation in the Bible only as a manual for those "left behind" after the Rapture of His Church.  I think, among other reasons, it is there to instill in us a great sense of urgency.  I certainly am thankful that I won't be here during those days & I don't want others to be here for the Tribulation either.

Anyway...back to my point...Revelation.  I've read it before but it's been years & I didn't really understand it then.  Not that I fully understand it now (or ever will), but God's showing me so much through it.

Revelation 7:9-10 says this: After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation & tribe & people & language, standing in front of the throne & before the Lamb.  They were clothed in white robes & held palm branches in their hands.  And they were shouting with a mighty shout, "Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne & from the Lamb!"  It paints such a beautiful picture.  

Nation.  

Tribe.  

People.  

Language.   

All worshiping at the feet of God.

I can't imagine anything more powerful.  Every nation - the nations that won't even allow missionaries in their borders...they'll have citizens who are believers.  Every tribe - this means the unreached people groups...they'll be reached (either by Christians on earth, or by God Himself through the Holy Spirit).  Every people &  every language - they people who don't even have a Bible in their language...they'll know God.  Wow.

Revelation doesn't only show the end of the world as we know it, but also a tiny glimpse of Heaven - creatures & angels singing of the holiness of our God: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty - the one who always was, who is, & who is to come (4:8); You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory & honor & power.  For you created all things & they exist because You created what You pleased (4:11); Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered - to receive power & riches & wisdom & strength & honor & glory & blessing (5:12)...it goes on & on (as it should)...

Second seemingly unrelated thing: every time that I've prayed the Lord's Prayer lately, I find myself pausing right there at the beginning when it says "hallowed be Thy name."  Hallowed.  Do we know what that means?  My friend dictionary.com says "regarded as holy; sacred."  But do we know what those words mean?

Which brings me to the third thing: mine & Cait's new favorite song - "What Do I Know of Holy" by Addison Road.  Holy...that's one of those churchy words that we throw out all the time...but do we really know what it means?  My favorite definition says "entitled to worship."  But even Mr. Webster doesn't suffice.  Our God is One with a plan for the end that will bring Himself the most glory, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven & on earth & under the earth, & every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11).  I'd say that's entitled to worship.  Holy.  

So, to tie all of that together...I'm learning about holiness.  The Addison Road song that I mentioned is pretty much my thoughts exactly: [I was going to put a few lines here but decided you just needed to read the whole thing.]

I made You promises a thousand times
I tried to hear from Heaven
But I talked the whole time
I think I made You too small
I never feared You at all No
If You touched my face would I know You?
Looked into my eyes could I behold You?

What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

I guess I thought that I had figured You out
I knew all the stories and I learned to talk about
How You were mighty to save
Those were only empty words on a page
Then I caught a glimpse of who You might be
The slightest hint of You brought me down to my knees

What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?

Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of wounds that will heal my shame?
And a God who gave life "its" name?
What do I know of Holy?
Of the One who the angels praise?
All creation knows Your name
On earth and heaven above
What do I know of this love?
 

What do I know of You
Who spoke me into motion?
Where have I even stood
But the shore along Your ocean?
Are You fire? Are You fury?
Are You sacred? Are You beautiful?
What do I know? What do I know of Holy?

What do I know of Holy?
What do I know of Holy?