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Doxology
passage. DOXOLOGY: a hymn or form of words containing an ascription of praise to God. [from the Greek DOXO (praise) and LOGOS (word)]. In Christian worship, we hear the word used in different ways: GREATER DOXOLOGY, or song of the angels: "Gloria in excelsis Deo" (Glory to God in the highest) LESSER DOXOLOGY: "Gloria Patri" (Glory to the Father and to the Son . . .) METRIC DOXOLOGY: "Praise God from whom all blessings flow." The New Testament contains a number of hymns of praise to God including the ROMANS DOXOLOGY. We'll read these words of the Apostle Paul from two different English versions. ROMANS DOXOLOGY: Romans 11:33-36 (from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION) Oh the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" [quote from Isaiah 40:13] "Who has ever given to God that God should repay him?" [quote from Job 41:11] For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever! AMEN! [and . . .] ROMANS DOXOLOGY: Romans 11:33-36 (from THE MESSAGE) Have you ever come on anything like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom? It's way over our heads. We'll never figure it out. Is there anyone around who can explain God? Anyone smart enough to tell him what to do? Anyone who has done him such a huge favor that God has to ask his advice? Everything comes from him; Everything happens through him; Everything ends up in him. Always glory! Always praise! Yes. Yes. Yes. [Maybe you ought to write your own doxology.] Have a great week, Chip Stam |