The achievements of humanity can undoubtedly astound, yet the disparity of progress and foolishness is itself astounding. Is it not remarkable that we can fly to the moon but are incapable of reaching the destination of good sense? We live in an age of marvels. We need a glimpse of majesty. That need is perhaps most vividly evidenced in entertainment and technology.
Movies, music, and video games permeate our culture. Just when we think there is no cinematographic magic left, a new blockbuster captivates us with visual sparkle. As we begin to find the billboard hits mundane, the latest sounds and bizarre behavior inundate us. When video game platforms have lost their edge, the market either innovates or ups the gore. If we could go back in time merely fifty years, then we could get a sense of how far each of these areas has developed and become integrated into our society. These avenues of entertainment are vying for our awe.
Technology is widely utilized in entertainment but is certainly more intriguing in other areas. For example, those of us who use smartphones constantly, take its’ capabilities for granted. Instant communication, information, banking, and shopping are literally at our fingertips! Even more astounding are the advancements in areas like medical treatment. One such area is regenerative medicine, which is paving the way for replacement organs to be uniquely created using our own cells! Of course, we can’t forget the numerous developments in areas like artificial intelligence, space exploration, and robotics that are making science fiction a little less fictitious. These are modern marvels; unfortunately, those marvels are making us spiritually myopic.
The latest movie, song, game, app, or breakthrough is utterly incapable of satisfying the human heart. Despite the marvels of entertainment and technology, there is a majesty we yearn for and were created to enjoy. With all of man’s accomplishments, he is still quite empty, and contentment is as elusive as the gold at the end of our marvels’ rainbow. So, our quest is futile until we seek the one who has long sought us.
There are a few thoughts that can help us wrestle through this disparity.
1. Only eternal things can bring true satisfaction.
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Marvels are cheap substitutes for the reality of God’s majesty. In our search for happiness, joy may have eluded us by our own sinful settling for temporary trifles.
2. Majesty is either embraced or rejected.
For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
As Peter urges to make your calling and election sure and advocates for continual reminders regarding the virtues of the faith, he makes it clear that the majestic nature of Christ was no mere myth. It is a glorious aspect of reality that demands our submission and transformation.
3. Marvels can serve as distractions or as redirections.
He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
Even the angels themselves, marvels though they are, are inferior to Him who sits at the right hand of the Majesty on high. How much more superior must Christ be than the “marvels” of entertainment and technology? These marvels can either serve as reminders of Christ’s superior majesty or as distractions from the only real source of joy.
This world is full of marvels; the gospel brings us into the presence of majesty. Have you surrendered to, trusted in, and treasured Christ for all He is worth? Are you doing so more and more?
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord,be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.