God is sovereign and supreme over all. Were He to share His glory with other so-called gods, He would be elevating them to a position that would not be consistent with their true nature, and it likewise would be making Him untrue to His own nature – less than the preeminent God He is. He must be faithful to Himself and maintain His high and holy position, and He wants His creatures to attribute to Him that degree of honor. Basically, that is what He means when He says, “I shall be jealous for My holy name” (Ezekiel 39:25). His jealousy does not grow out of insecurity, anxiety, frustration, covetousness, pride, or spite, as ours usually does. It is the natural and necessary by-product of His absolute sovereignty and infinite holiness.
— Richard Strauss (1933–1993), Pastor und Buchautor
Related Bible passage: EZK.39.25
Topics: God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit, Wisdom & Understanding
Occasions: For Reflection
Richard Strauss
Richard Strauss (1933–1993) war ein US-amerikanischer evangelikaler Pastor und Autor, der über zwei Jahrzehnte lang die Emmanuel Faith Community Church in Kalifornien leitete. Er stand für eine konservative, am Dallas Theological Seminary geprägte Schriftauslegung und wurde vor allem durch praktische Schriften zu Ehe, Familie und Nachfolge bekannt. Bibellesern bietet er bis heute alltagsbezogene Auslegungen sowie Reflexionen über das Gottvertrauen in persönlichen Krisen und schwerer Krankheit.
All quotes by Richard Strauss (3)
You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.
Augustine of Hippo
Jesus calls us not to a new religion, but to life.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I would not be able to seek you if you had not already found me.
Augustine of Hippo
When you see a child, you catch God in the act.
Martin Luther
God does not love us because we are lovable, but because his nature is love.
Oswald Chambers
God seeks you more than your offering.
Augustine of Hippo
God has his ear at your heart.
Augustine of Hippo
God is closer to us than we are to ourselves.
Augustine of Hippo