Just Pondering
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Rick Branan |
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand or marked off the heavens with the span of his hand? Who has gathered the dust of the earth in a measure or weighed the mountains on a balance and the hills on the scales? Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord, or who gave him counsel? Who did he consult? Who gave him understanding and taught him the paths of justice? Who taught him knowledge and showed him the way of understanding?
Isaiah 40:12-14 (CSBBible)
The authors, three siblings and a friend met together at a Sovereign Grace songwriters retreat. Sovereign Grace Music exists to produce Christ-exalting songs and training for the Church from our local churches. Jonathan, Meghan, and Ryan Baird and Steven Altrogge worked together to present a song to the evaluation team. Their feedback was “Seems too ordinary at this point. Work on fresh and creative ways of saying these things.” The team brought the song back to their church and added a third stanza that connects Christ’s work to God’s sovereignty. The song has since been translated into 15 languages and is sung in churches worldwide.
From Bob Kauflin
Behold Our God
Who has held the oceans in His hands?
Who has numbered every grain of sand?
Kings and nations tremble at His voice
All creation rises to rejoice
Behold our God seated on His throne
Come, let us adore Him
Behold our King! Nothing can compare
Come, let us adore Him!
Who has given counsel to the Lord?
Who can question any of His words?
Who can teach the One Who knows all things?
Who can fathom all His wondrous deeds?
Who has felt the nails upon His hands
Bearing all the guilt of sinful man?
God eternal humbled to the grave
Jesus, Savior risen now to reign!
Men: You will reign forever
Women: Let Your glory fill the earth
Written by J, M, and R Baird and Altrogge
Isaiah has such a unique way of connecting us to the Sovereign God. Obviously, he was guided by the Holy Spirit, but his gift let’s us see God in a personal way. Our text from Isaiah is a comforting text. God had just delivered Judah from Assyria. Sennacherib was at Jerusalem’s gates and God interceded. King Hezekiah almost died and begged God for mercy and received it. Chapter 40 begins, “Comfort my people.” The text continues with the promise of Messiah and how God protects His people. Isaiah then paints a picture of God’s sovereignty by asking questions. The questions remind us of things that only God can do. Only God is the Creator and Comforter for His people. He invites us all to partake through Christ’s work on the cross.
The final stanza sings, “Who has felt the nails upon His hands, bearing all the guilt of sinful man? God eternal humbled to the grave,
Jesus, Savior risen now to reign!” These words connect God’s sovereignty and His love for us by showing Christ’s work on the cross.
As we sing this song this morning, let’s join our voices as one and “Behold Our God?”
Just pondering . . . Bro. Rick