Joel M Bradshaw

4The Lord is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens. 5Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, 6who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth? 7He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; 8he seats them with princes, with the princes of his people. 9He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children.–Psalm 113

Todays’s text reminded me of two attributes of God: transcendence and immanence. I love how the Gospel Coalition defines the terms.

“Divine transcendence and immanence are the related Christian doctrines that while God is exalted in his royal dignity and exercises both control and authority in his creation (transcendence), he is, by virtue of this control and authority, very present to his creation, especially his people, in a personal and intimate way (immanence).”

Psalm 113 presents God as transcendent in that He is enthrones on high. God is not a part of His creation. He was not created. He is exalted above all that He created and rules. And yet, God is personal and caring. He provides for the poor and childless.

God cannot be controlled or manipulated by His creation. He is transcendent. God chooses to enter into our lives and lovingly provide for us. He is immanent. And some wonder why God chose to refer to Himself as Father. A good father is in control over a family situation and lovingly present within that situation. In Jesus, God’s transcendence and immanence join together perfectly.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20, with emphasis)

Authority over all (transcendence) and with us to the very end (immanence). God is not just the mighty King, but the King who cares for us. How does God’s transcendence affect your perspective? Does it cause you to be bolder in your prayers knowing that God is not limited in the same way you are and has complete power over your situation? Does God’s immanence affect how you trust God? He is not just powerful over your storm, but lovingly present with you in it?

Can you truly both humble yourself under God’s mighty hand AND cast all your anxieties upon Him because He cares for you? (1 Peter 5:6-7)–JMB