“In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings… And one called to another and said:
“’Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory!’
“And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: ‘Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips,.. for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!'” Isaiah 6:1-5
“At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne. And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald… and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal…
“And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
‘Worthy are you, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they existed and were created.'” Revelation 4:2-3,6,9-11
As the Author of every word, the Creator makes Himself known from beginning to end of the Bible. Visions of the Lord God in Scripture always have a humbling effect. They both hush and awaken the soul with awe and worship. Before His majestic glory angels and mortal men must bow. (Genesis 1:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:16)
When we are rapt with the exquisite splendor of a morning, this same majestic God’s intricate creation in one place and moment, even the vista blurs behind the clearer, louder, more magnificent vision of God Almighty. Movement, changing cloud shapes, fire and smoke and the widespread lava of sunburst all the work of His hands, make the heart gasp and lift it in wonder. Indeed, “His signature is the beauty of things.” * (Psalm 8:3-4)
Many enjoy the display, and assign it to atmospheric rhythms, the season, or a chance viewing. But those who rise expectantly, seek the Lord, and ask for eyes to see His work and ears to hear His breath will look to see His hand in every turn and situation.
Are we taking time to look? Are we too frenzied with stuff and stress here below to behold His lofty artwork? How will we determine to wonder at God’s handiwork, anticipate His showing up, then promptly praise?
“Is it not by His high superfluousness we know Our God? For to equal a need
Is natural, animal, mineral: but to fling
Rainbows over the rain…
And beauty above the moon, and secret rainbows on the domes of deep sea-shells,
Not even the weeds to multiply without blossom
Nor the birds without music…
Look how beautiful are all the things that He does.
His signature is the beauty of things”.
*Robinson Jeffers (1887-1962)
Worthy Lord on high, may I never stop praising You for Your infinite beauty and splendor, magnifying Your grace and glory, and making known Your signature and marvelous salvation.
As the rain and snow 