Topical Encyclopedia MajestyIn the biblical context, majesty refers to the supreme greatness and sovereign power of God. It is a term that encapsulates the awe-inspiring and transcendent nature of the Divine. The majesty of God is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing His authority, glory, and the reverence due to Him. The Psalms frequently highlight God's majesty. Psalm 93:1 declares, "The LORD reigns, He is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved." This verse underscores God's sovereign rule and the stability that His majestic presence brings to creation. In the New Testament, the majesty of Christ is also affirmed. Hebrews 1:3 states, "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high." Here, Christ's divine nature and His exalted position at the right hand of God are highlighted, affirming His participation in the divine majesty. The majesty of God demands a response of worship and reverence from His people. In Revelation 4:11 , the heavenly hosts proclaim, "Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created." This acknowledgment of God's majesty is central to the worship of the Creator. Humility Humility, in the biblical sense, is the quality of having a modest view of one's own importance and a recognition of one's dependence on God. It is a virtue that is highly esteemed in Scripture and is often juxtaposed with the majesty of God, highlighting the appropriate posture of humanity before the Divine. The life and teachings of Jesus Christ provide the ultimate example of humility. Philippians 2:5-8 describes this humility: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross." This passage illustrates the profound humility of Christ, who, despite His divine nature, chose to become a servant and sacrifice Himself for humanity. Humility is also a prerequisite for receiving God's grace. James 4:6 states, "But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'" This verse emphasizes that humility is essential for a right relationship with God, as it opens the way for His grace to work in one's life. The call to humility is a call to recognize one's limitations and to submit to God's will. Micah 6:8 encapsulates this call: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" This verse highlights that humility is integral to living a life that is pleasing to God. In summary, majesty and humility are two interconnected themes in the Bible. While God's majesty calls for reverence and worship, human humility is the appropriate response to His greatness, leading to a life of obedience and dependence on Him. |