Fame and glory come in many different forms. There are movie stars and athletes. There are politicians and captains of industry. In the music arena there are perennial stars and “one hit wonders.” The church has televangelists and leaders of mega-churches. All of them have the public’s attention. Entire industries exist simply to follow and report about rich and famous people. But earthly fame is fleeting. Eternal glory belongs to God alone.
Satan tempted Jesus to become famous. He took Christ to the pinnacle of the temple and told Him to jump. Many people would be watching. Angels would save Him just like the scriptures said, and everyone would know that Jesus was the Messiah. But Jesus knew that this was neither the time nor the way chosen by God. He answered Satan’s challenge with scripture, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”
The hymn To God Be the Glory was written by Fanny Crosby, the most prolific hymn writer of all time. As loved as this hymn is today, though, it was never mentioned by Crosby in her writings. It went practically unnoticed until 1954, when Billy Graham began using it during a London crusade. The hymn did not need to burst on the scene with fanfare when it was first introduced. Instead, it was written and prepared to be used in God’s time. Enjoy the words.
To God be the glory, great things he hath done!
So loved he the world that he gave us his Son,
who yielded his life an atonement for sin,
and opened the lifegate that all may go in.
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
let the earth hear his voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father thru Jesus the Son,
and give him the glory, great things he hath done!
We don’t need to be famous while we are on our pilgrim journey. We are promised eternity with God in glory. Today we are simply called to follow a path of humble obedience.
Follow the Path!
CARadke
[Use with Challenge of Fame, day 42 of A Labyrinth Pilgrimage]