15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:15-17)
Too often when we read Scripture, we do so from a point of view centered on ourselves. But here as Paul writes about receiving grace as the foremost of sinners; his focus doesn’t stay there. Rather considering the gravity of what happened (his salvation), he is prompted to respond in praise. He knew that his salvation was not his doing and it should result in praise. And so these words direct our hearts not inward, but outward - to praise of our great God.
In in a time like this (truly in any time) we need our gaze lifted to see the unspeakable character of God. He is the immortal, invisible, God only wise. He is the most glorious and most blessed. He is the giver of life. He is the one who deserves our attention and praise.
Here is the song “Immortal, Invisible” by Fernando Ortega. May your hearts today (and every day) be lifted to gaze upon the beauty and majesty of God.
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great Name we praise.
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might;
Thy justice, like mountains, high soaring above
Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.
To all, life Thou givest, to both great and small;
In all life Thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
And wither and perish; but naught changeth Thee.
Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight;
All praise we would render; O help us to see
’Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee