As a child, crawling into my Daddy’s lap and gazing up into the night skyscape of stars smattered as far as my eyes could see, I wondered.  Wondered about God and where He was in all of that glitter.  Wondered with my ultra-limited mind how God has been – always, and will be – forever!

Wonder that continues still.  Wondering how the God who created all things knows and cares for my smallest life-details. Wondering how the God who knew what pain His creation would cause loves steadfastly and faithfully, even as His people perpetually wreak sinful havoc. Wondering how my God forgives the sinful frailty of my own selfish soul.  Wondering how our God of all creation came from heaven to earth, humbled Himself on the cross, and rose triumphantly as our Savior.

My wonder ponders God’s glory in scripture, and I experience His living word.

My wonder absorbs God’s glory in nature, and I fully sense His creation.

My wonder hears God’s glory in music, and I reach to Him in worship.

My wonder sees God’s glory in others, and I trust in His plans.

My wonder seeks God’s glory in turmoil, and I rest in His unshakable ways.

In His compassionate mercy, God makes His glory accessible to our wondering minds.  Childhood wonder is not insignificant to God.  In fact, Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14, ESV).  Jesus’ heart seemed tuned to childlike wonder when He said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3, ESV).

Tuned to Jesus’ heart, our souls drink in the wonder of who God is in all of His glory.

Wondering belief expands our minds to seek God’s glory in His Word.

Wondering eyes open our hearts to see God’s glory in Creation.

Wondering ears soften our senses to hear God’s glory in worship.

Wondering faith offers hope to behold God’s glory in all circumstances.

Wondering questions carry our thoughts to trust God’s glory in trials.

Mark Roberts describes God’s glory as, “God’s weightiness in wonderful qualities such as might, beauty, goodness, justice, and honor. When it comes to these characteristics and so many others, God has them in superabundance. Thus, when we think of God’s glory, we remember that God has all good things in greater quantity and quality than we can ever imagine. God’s glory is solid and substantial. It isn’t mere reputation. It isn’t dependent on anyone or anything else.  God’s glory reflects his essential nature” (The High Calling, 9/26/15).

It is this essential nature of God’s glory within our community that draws our hearts to worship.  We “speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with our hearts” (Ephesians 5:19, ESV). As we reflect God’s essential nature, we corporately lift our wholehearted beings in worship.

Psalm 77:11-15 captures the wonder of worshiping God’s glory:

I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
I will ponder all your work,
and meditate on your mighty deeds.
Your way, O God, is holy.
What god is great like our God?
You are the God who works wonders;
you have made known your might among the peoples.
You with your arm redeemed your people,
the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah

Hebrews 1:3 reveals the essence of God’s glory in Christ Jesus,

“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.”

Seated at God’s right hand is Jesus, the shining radiance of God’s glory! And in Christ Jesus, we experience the beautiful mystery of being set apart, sanctified and transformed as Paul describes in 2 Corinthians 3:18,

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”

Not of anything we have or do but because of Jesus’ sacrificial cleansing of our sins and His complete forgiveness, we experience life as His new creation. Beholding the glory of the Lord, we are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another! We have unmeasured time together in eternity to enjoy wondrous worship, celebrating in God’s glory!

Maria Currey, Assistant Director of Music

Check out the songs we’ll be singing in Contemporary Worship (11:15am) this week:

NEPC Contemporary Setlist