Immortal, Invisible

How would we react if we could grasp the glories of Heaven? If we could go beyond the clichés and really glimpse God in His holiness and majesty? Isaiah had such a moment. Humbled, he realized that he had unclean lips and dwelled amid people with unclean lips. He gained this perspective because “my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts” (Isaiah 6:5).

Walter Chalmers Smith, too, had a glimpse of God’s glory. Born on this day in 1824, Smith pastored several churches throughout Scotland. In recognition of the respect he had earned, he was elected the moderator of the Free Church of Scotland during its Jubilee year in 1893.

Today, he may best be remembered for writing the hymn, “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise.” Smith recounted how He was “in light inaccessible hid from our eyes.” He was “most blessèd, most glorious, the Ancient of Days.” He was almighty and victorious. In response His people praise His great Name.

He ruled in might, and never changed. He was “unresting, unhasting, and silent as light.” He never wanted for anything and all His actions are just, “like mountains.” He gave life to every creature, “both great and small.” Like the leaves on trees, we might “blossom and flourish” for a season but eventually “wither and perish.” In contrast, nothing changes God!

He is our “Great Father of glory.” He prayed that God would “take the veil from our faces” that we might better see Him in His total purity, and that He might remove sin from our lives.

Today, ask God to give you a revelation of His character. Ask to see Him anew, in the Spirit. Praise Him and give Him glory. Let the fire of His purity burn away every impurity. Let Him change your life, that you might impact others with the Gospel.