Clingman's Dome

Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. (Psalm 147:5 ESV). At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the highest point in Tennessee, and the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi. Our family has made the trek to the observatory at Clingman’s Dome on several occasions. The views are reward enough for the hike. It is one of the many vistas that give reason to call this area the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Sunset in the park is always a special sight. To see the way God paints a unique portrait with His creation is a special blessing. Great is very flexible word in our culture and language. It is used in five different ways; it can describe size, number, intensity, goodness, or degree. It’s become an easy word to overuse. Perhaps we should reclaim the word in reference to our God. The Bible tells us again and again, especially in the Psalms, that our God is great. It is in the Scripture that we are able to glimpse the true greatness of God. Let me make a few suggestions of this description of God.  First is the greatness of his majesty and glory. He is not just the king of a single tribe or nation, but the king of all the earth. He is sovereign over all the nations, arrayed in unparalleled regal glory. He is great in royal majesty.  Second is the greatness of his character. He is not just great in his majesty, but in his holiness. He is not just in charge and exalted, but he has perfect integrity; he is the standard of truth and character and moral uprightness. When he speaks, the darkness flees. He is great in his holiness.  Third is the greatness of his being. He never had a beginning, and he will never have an end. He is Alpha and Omega, he is the beginning and the end; nothing came before him and nothing will come after him. He stands unmoved from age to age, and time is in his hands.  Fourth, he is great in His mercy. As great as he is in his majesty, holiness, and eternal nature, he is also great in his compassion for the plight of humanity. Really, it is the greatness of his mercy that truly leaves us in awe. It is this compassion that sent Jesus to make the atonement for us that we might find ourselves restored to relationship with him. Truly we can say, GREAT is our God! You don’t need to climb to the highest peak of any mountain; you can find the greatness of God all around you. Turn to Him today!