What Impresses God?

“He is not impressed by the strength of a horse; He does not value the power of a man. The Lord values those who fear Him, those who put their hope in His faithful love.” (Psalm 147:10-11) “Then they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting the guard.” (Matthew 27:66)

We human beings are easily impressed it seems. We’re impressed by anything that happens to be stronger than we are. The strength and speed of a race horse awes us. Large firecrackers impress us. The “shock and awe” of our American military’s firepower impresses us.

But what if you had all power? Not much would impress you, would it?

When Jesus breathed His last and was buried by Joseph and Nicodemus, the chief priests and Pharisees went to Pilate and got him to post a guard at the tomb. They remember the prediction of Jesus that He would be raised from the dead on the third day. They intended to ensure that that could not be claimed by the disciples. So the soldiers with their spears and swords were posted. Impressive. Shallow.

If God ever snickers, He would have had to snicker at that. The angels of heaven and everyone with Him would have had to join Him in a heavenly laugh. Their impressive guard would have been like an ant trying to guard its hole in the ground from an approaching elephant. Not going to happen.

God is impressed by those who have the perception to stand in awe of Him, and who then put their hope in His faithful love.

Lord, Help us not to be so easily impressed with the world’s power. Help us to come before You in awe and worship and experience what real power is all about. And Help us to impress You with our response. Amen.