The Bible is full of theophanies. Not just the immediate intimate ones but the ones where a prophet sees the greatness of God. Isaiah saw the throne room. Actually, several prophets have seen the divine court. No matter what the vision, they all come away with an idea of God's holiness. The flashing lights, the darkness and obscurity. Together!
People still see visions of God. Some of these visions are definitely not true, but many of them are. God is very accessible, yet in that accessibility there is such holiness.
In this we see that God is so holy that even the earth trembles. Imagine that. Animals, clouds, all creation are awed by the splendour of our God. What graven image can show that?
God is IN His people, but He is also ABOVE us. Immediate and intimate, yet terrifyingly holy. Can one see the goodness of God and still imagine we can "get in touch with the divine?" Can we see God's righteousness and still imagine one can "attain to a kind of divinity of holiness through one's own power?" No. And how can we give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness when we remember HIS holiness? God's love enables us.
Something else the Psalm says: "Light is sown for the righteous." I have to ponder that. Not sure what it means right now, not totally. I know God is light. But the sowing of light? Uhm...
"Dear God, Holy Spirit, show me what light is sown for the righteous means? Amen."
Psalm 97 (King James Version)
Psalm 97
1The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.
2Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.
3A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.
4His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.
5The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.
6The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.
7Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.
8Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.
9For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.
10Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
11Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
12Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
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