Americans love pomp. And when I think about it, I think everyone does.
Mind you, I’m not talking about beauty pageants here. That’s a different kind of beauty pageant concept.
I’m talking about ceremony. About spectacle. About production.
Think halftime shows and rock concerts. Graduations and weddings. Coronations and gender reveal parties.
A tech CEO enters the stage to thunderous applause as fast-moving digital images flicker across the screens.
A political candidate enters the stage from the left of a party convention, a shimmering electronic flag glows in the background, while the music swells to a deafening level and the candidate’s face is magnified on large screens.
Or most recently the Olympic Games.
From the opening ceremony, to the entry of the various stars into their respective venues for specific events, the raising of each flag to the traditional closing ceremony – pomp and circumstance.
No culture has its own forms of display of splendor. Every ethnic group likes to celebrate special occasions or honor loved ones with festivities.
And this is nothing new. In history classes, we learn about ancient civilizations and their displays and festivals. We know that Hitler took a few pages from the Roman playbook about banners, parades, symbolism and, well, let’s call it drama.
I’ve been thinking about why we like to stage such dramas so much, and I believe it all goes back to God.
The most striking display of splendor that comes to mind in the Bible is found in the book of Revelation.
John caught glimpses of things going on around God, things that were most likely constantly going on, full of pomp and yes, drama.
A throne surrounded by a rainbow. A jeweled wall with huge pearly gates. Brightly colored horses coming in and out from the right and left. Indescribable creatures throwing crowns on the ground. Loud noises. Great music. Symbolic robes, inscriptions and objects.
Whenever God appears in the Bible, in the Old or New Testaments – as a pillar burning at night and shining by day, as a flaming chariot, as a terrible flash of fire, as a still-still voice, or as a booming thunder – people know it is him. They are filled with awe.
God created splendor. Not spectacle for spectacle’s sake, but realities that help us learn. God’s splendor draws attention. It celebrates. It reveals the majesty, power, and beauty of God.
He deserves more admiration than any athlete. He is more powerful than any ruler and wiser than any doctoral student.
We create splendor because our Creator creates splendor. And none of our laser shows and flyovers can compare to the splendor of God’s splendor.
Just look at his ad above you tonight.
Laurie Lind is a writer, editor and podcaster for
Entrust
a ministry that trains Christians for leadership positions.
