Do You Have Enough?
Lebanon didn't have enough. Do you?
As we've been learning, the Gospel of Mark draws heavily on the prophet Isaiah's writings in chapters 40 through 66. Listen to this compelling little verse tucked in chapter 40 that underscores something big about God:
"Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires, nor its animals enough for burnt offerings."
Isaiah 40.16
Boom.
Wow.
Mic drop.
<Insert whatever other expression you like>
Do you see how this little verse packs a powerful punch?
In the Biblical narrative, Lebanon was known for its impressive cedars. The trees were very large and the forests significant. Think of the most magnificent trees and forests you have seen.
In one little line, Isaiah is relaying the wonder and worthiness of God by saying that not even all of Lebanon's mighty cedars would provide enough wood to match the value and volume of sacrifices God is deserving of. He continues, saying that its land doesn't contain enough animals to be sacrificed to God either.
God's greatness is beyond our ability to fully grasp.
The greatest worship we could offer can't reflect a fraction of what God is worthy of.
Don't be discouraged. This verse isn't here to make worship feel impossible nor to drum up performance oriented worship. God is worth the best you can offer. This verse is here to help us to see that no matter how great we believe God to be right now, He is greater!
Ironically, consider something important that occurs toward the end of the Gospel of Mark. Two beat up pieces of wood are assembled for a single lamb to be sacrificed upon. Not a cedar or a forest. Just two ordinary pieces. Not a land full of animals. Just a single one.
The cross of Christ becomes the place where the both the greatest worship of God and the greatest expression of love for humanity meet.
"If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me." Jesus, in Mark 8.34
Is He worth this kind of worship?
Pastor Mike