Divine majesty and human dignity
by Colleen Fitzpatrick
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O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! (Psalm 8:1)
One of my favourite movies is The King’s Speech. It is the story of King George VI and his struggle to overcome a significant speech impediment. I have just finished reading the book of the same name, and I was intrigued to read some of the king’s speeches. He often referred to ‘my people’ in his addresses. During his reign, the people of the Commonwealth came to admire and respect their sovereign. He was renowned for his humility and his empathy with all of his people. His visits to the colonies enhanced his reputation and built respect for him among his people.
Think about the pomp and ceremony that surrounds the representatives of royalty here. For example, at a reception at government house, you can only attend if you have been invited. You have to show your invitation and prove who you are when you go through the gates, and the length of the visit is pre-determined and listed on the invitation.
How much greater and more awe-inspiring is God’s divine majesty. God is not just the ruler of a collection of countries – God’s sovereignty extends over the whole universe. It is mind-boggling to think that God can even be bothered with us as a nation, let alone that he cares about me and you and every other person. What dignity that he bestows on each of us.
With majesty, God also shows meekness and humility. God’s Son came among us as an ordinary man. He took on the humblest role of washing the feet of his disciples. God allowed Jesus to die on the cross for us. Jesus showed us dignity, humility and respect for others, as well as self-sacrificial love.
One way that we respond to this is through worship. This is the time when together with our church community and with the communion of saints – those who are with God in heaven as well as those with whom we physically gather – we can acknowledge God’s sovereign majesty.
Let’s pray using the words of the psalm: O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouths of babes and infants you have founded a bulwark because of your foes, to silence the enemy and the avenger. When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? Yet you have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honour. You have given them dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under their feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas. O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! Amen.
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