SEARCHIGHT
Do you say “OMG” just about anything?
SCRIPTURE
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen 1 Timothy 1:17 NIV
SPOTLIGHT
Are you one of the many people who say, “Oh my God!” for just about anything? This exclamation has become a clear way of expressing strong emotions. The surprise of swallowing delicious ice cream can lead someone to say, “Oh my God!” The phrase may denote excitement for having gotten a new job. On the other hand, these 3 words may convey disbelief when a person says, “Oh my God, how did this happen?” This exclamation could convey frustration when things are going wrong, or amazement when someone sees a breath-taking view. What you have to do is listen to the tone of a person’s voice, in order to identify the meaning of the expression.
The Apostle Paul had an “OMG!” moment. He did not say those 3 words but burst into an anthem of praise. In today’s Scripture focus he exclaimed, “Now to the King of eternity, incorruptible and immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever (to the ages of ages). Amen” [Amplified] I call this the long version of “OMG!”
What caused Paul to express his adoration to God? Read the verses just before today’s Scripture focus. The Apostle remembered that he had been God’s greatest enemy. He had refused to believe Jesus Christ is God. Then he became overwhelmed that Jesus Christ could change the worst of sinners into a saint. Jesus could take an enemy of God and make him a servant of God.
Paul just had to take a breath and give praise to God for transforming him from a violent, ignorant, unbelieving man who had also been a blasphemer and persecutor of Christians. God’s love, mercy, grace and forgiveness had been given to him.
There is no sin that is not forgivable. There is no sin too great for God to forgive. God is loving, forgiving, and patient. For all that God has done for sinful man and all that God will do for any believer, Paul says, “Oh my God!” in his own way. Are you just as overwhelmed as Paul?
You will have to take a breath when you realize who God is, what He has done for you and what He continues to do for you. All of your shame and any pain you have caused have been forgiven. You have invited God to live within you. He has transformed you to be like Him. This will be your, “Oh my God!” moment, just like the Apostle Paul. When you truly realize just how much God loves, forgives and restores you, the next thing you exclaim will be:
#1 God is King-He is sovereign over the world, universe, and everything that exists.
#2 God is eternal-He is infinite, the King of all ages. God has no beginning or ending.
#3 God is immortal-He is invincible. God can never die. His life span is forever and always.
#4 God is invisible-He is unseen. God cannot be seen by human eyes but can be known.
#5 God is the only God-He is incomparable. There is no one like Him. God is unequaled.
#6 God is forever deserving of honor and glory-He is good, loving, gracious, merciful, faithful, kind and forgiving toward all people. Read Revelation 5:12,13.
People should learn to say, “Oh my God!” for the right reason. The short form which is found in texts or emails is, “OMG!” Too often this expression is spoken or typed for insignificant or meaningless reasons.
People do not realize what they are saying. Closely look at the 3 words. When spoken they are actually speaking to the living God and giving Him adoration. And that is the most meaningful reason to say, “Oh my God!”
Have you made God your personal King? Do you worship and praise the only God who is incomprehensible, infinite, incorruptible, immortal, invisible, and incomparable? Paul is so confident of who God is that he later has another, “OMG!” moment in 1 Timothy 6:16.
THE BEST REASON TO SAY, “OH MY GOD!” is to honor God and give Him the glory for who He is and all He has done for you. Don’t forget all God will do for you in the future. Allow me to suggest that you apply the, “Apostle Paul Test” before uttering this powerful expression, “Oh my God!” Ask yourself the following questions in the next section:
SOMETHING TO DO
When you utter the words “Oh my God!” …….
#1 Are you truly giving praise to God or are you just expressing emotion?
#2 Do you realize you are talking to the one, true and only God?
#3 Are you sincerely thankful for how much God loves, forgives and blesses you?
#4 Do you realize how good, gracious and merciful God is toward you?
#5 Is what you are marveling or shocked at worthy of thanking God for?
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Lord God, I am so thankful that You love me and have forgiven me of my sin. And I am overwhelmed that You bless me in so many different ways. You are my King, the eternal, incorruptible, immortal, invisible God who alone is worthy of all my honor and praise. AMEN