Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt His name together. — Psalm 34:3
Why do we need to exalt God’s name? Is it because God’s name is in such trouble that it needs to be propped up by us?
I don’t think so. Rather, God is inviting us to come out of the darkness into the light. When we see God clearly, in the light, then exalting His name is as automatic and as necessary as breathing.
We may exalt God’s name in many different ways. Some are overwhelmed by the cross. Others by the love of God. Others by the wisdom of His ways. Still others by His holiness.
Personally, I can’t seem to get over God’s work in our lives. Here we are, a bunch of sinners, that God could have written off as bad debt and started over. But He didn’t. Jesus came to rescue us.
Jesus died on the cross — something way beyond my mind’s ability to comprehend or my heart’s ability to take in. That is love so amazing that all my "thank You’s" seem hollow and cheap when stacked up next to it.
But here is something I do begin to understand. Jesus hung out with us. He likes us. I’ve often felt like Zaccheus — I’d just like to get a look at Jesus. But Jesus doesn’t let us get away with that. He sees us there on the fringe, shy and hopeful and filled with wonder. And He stops. He looks at us, and says, "Your place, today, right now."
Zaccheus, as you know, gave half his wealth to the poor and promised to pay back four times anyone he may have cheated. How did he get to be so spiritual?
Most people start at the wrong place. Most people want to start you on a generosity program where you start by tithing 1% of your income and giving 5 minutes of your day to God, and work your way up from there. But this isn’t how God works.
Jesus didn’t come to Zaccheus’s house to start a giving campaign. He just saw him there — just like He sees you and me — afraid maybe to be noticed but longing to be included — and the arms of Jesus reach out and draw us in.
Do we do anything for God? If we do, I hardly think it is possible for us to notice. We are too occupied with something far more important. Jesus found me and He’s coming to my house today.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.