On June 3, 1953, millions of people watched the inauguration of Queen Elizabeth II on television. Amidst much fanfare and pomp she slowly and elegantly processed down the aisle of Westminster Abbey. Behind her trailed a robe of royal purple velvet, eighteen feet long. Six maids of honor supported the weight of the magnificent train.
A bit of research revealed interesting, heart-stirring answers.
The train of his robe: In ancient times, the flowing train on a monarch’s robe was a symbol of glory and splendor. To understand the importance of a train, we have to remember that in those days, all clothing had to be constructed “from scratch”—fibers of cotton, linen, or wool had to be spun into thread, threads had to be woven into cloth, cloth had to be cut and sewn into garments by hand. It was a time-consuming process.
Only the rich and powerful could afford to add extra length to their robes. The longer the train, the more glorious and splendid the king. And as he paraded past his subjects, the length of his robe was meant to impress.
Filled the temple: Isaiah’s statement conveys the magnitude of God’s glory compared to any earthly king or queen. Symbolically, the robe represents God’s infinite splendor and majesty—his glory. As one preacher explained, “air is the atmosphere of earth, God’s glory is the atmosphere of heaven.” One day we will breathe God’s glory! That gives me goosebumps.
• his absolute authority. “There is no room for anyone else in this high-exalted place. God is all in all” –Selwyn Hughes (1928-2006, Welsh pastor, theologian, author).
• his divine perfections. There is no one else who is all-powerful, all-knowing, unhindered by the limitations of time and space, and absolutely righteous in all he does.
• his incomparable splendor. Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, and John the Revelator gave us glimpses of their heavenly visions. They saw a high and exalted throne encircled by an ethereal rainbow, seraphs crying “Holy, holy, holy,” lamps blazing, lightning flashing, thunder rumbling, angels and saints worshiping.
• The delicate wing of the butterfly, emblazoned with brilliant colors in intricate patterns.
• The intriguing double-spiral of sunflower seeds—one spiral in a clockwise direction, the other, counter-clockwise.
• Lacy feathers of frost gathering on a window.
• The graceful curl of the wentletrap shell.
• The jewel-like qualities of grains of sand.
“Our God is lavish in splendor. His creative fullness spills over in excessive beauty” (John Piper, pastor and author).
And why is that important to embrace and celebrate? Because we are so often distracted by the concerns of life. We allow them to consume too much of our attention. There’s a better way to live that many people never discover.
“Many people gaze at their problems and glance at the Lord. But I tell you to gaze at the Lord and glance at your problems” (Ted Smith, pianist for Billy Graham Crusades).
Let’s visualize God’s grandeur–every day, as we prepare ourselves to pray. Let’s become enthralled in the throne room of heaven, in the splendor and majesty of Almighty God. And let’s bow down in humble gratitude that this magnificent God is also our loving Heavenly Father. Think of it. The glorious, all-powerful King of the universe is our Abba–our Dad! Can any realization be more comforting, strengthening, or empowering than that?
Dearest Abba, too often my thoughts are a tangled mess of concerns. I need a fresh vision of your glory to supersede the “what-ifs.” Remind me that with you, the God of all authority and might, I have nothing to fear. You are all I need.
Thanks for the reminder of our Father’s majesty and glory. Love you.
Thank YOU, Nikki, for your encouragement. Love you, too!
wow what beauty is here today. I am amazed and sitting in awe and wonder. Thank you for this wonderful gift today.
Thank you, Jean. I so appreciate your encouragement. Praise God for his inspiration and guidance, that brought you awe and wonder!
Love how the same patterns in God’s miniature artwork (spirals of sunflower seeds, windowfrost) are mirror in his macro artwork (galaxies, nebullae).
Me, too! I’ve read that the same mathematical formula that results in the geometric spiral of the nautilus shell is the same formula and same proportions for a nebula. Incredible! The more I read and learn (and I’ve been at it for a very long time!), the more amazed I become.
Thank you, Kenny. I am honored you found this post worthy of reblogging. Praise God for his inspiration and guidance!
Thank you, Father Paul. As I told Kenny, above, I am honored you found the post worthy of a reblog. Praise God!
on March 21, 2015 at 12:49 pm | Reply Looking Up!
Very awesome! Can I reblog?
Indeed you may. Thank you!
Thank you, Deacon Mike, for the reblog. I am grateful to God that you found the post meaningful.
I had a budiger named Sol as not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these!
Oh, yes. Their coloring is stunning–those bright blues and greens. The name Sol was a perfect choice!
It was going to be Solomon until we found it was a she!, She delighted us for years a ripe old age!
Ah, instead of Solomon you had Solomonda!
Yes I HND raised her and she used to t on my finger and feed my thumb like a chick.
I’m delighted you found the post inspiring. Praise God! Thank you also for the reblog.
on March 22, 2015 at 5:56 pm | Reply Looking Up!
This was a beautiful reflection. I wonder though could that majesty that filled the temple be the people of God? After all are we not made in His image and likeness? Does He not desire us to with Him in Heaven. Nature of course is beautiful, but what is more beautiful than each and every human being made in His image and likeness? Yourself included. Thank you so much for sharing!!
Now there’s an interesting image: The train of God’s robe actually made up of his beautiful people! I can visualize a long procession of saints from the ages, following their King. Surely such a parade WOULD fill the temple. Thank you for an inspiring word-picture!
Nancy, this ‘letter’ has been in my Inbox for a week….or so.
So glad I finally read it–the photos are stunning.
Isaiah 6:1 is on a sticky note on my desk as we speak–and I wrote the words, “noisy worship” next to it (look at verse 4).
I’m quite sure I’ve felt God’s glory and presence like Isaiah describes–here on Earth in worship. He has filled the temple (sanctuary) where I’ve been and wow–his power is beyond compare.
Those glimpses of his glory are rare, only a taste of Heaven. And they are a gift, but I’m so grateful He shows up like that to remind us who He is.
I love your observation about noisy worship, Jody. Indeed, we can and should demonstrate exuberant worship to our glorious God, as well as moments of reverent silence (Habakkuk 2:20). I, too, have felt God’s glory and presence in worship. My spirit fills to overflowing, often resulting in tears and God-bumps (similar to goosebumps)! You are so right: such moments are a gift–a gift from heaven. Thank you, dear friend, for your thoughtful comments!
This was a great post! Some day we actually see it – what a great day that will be!!!
Love the entire post, from the message to the pictures. So many man-made things are considered to be beautiful, but none of those will compare to what splendor Heaven will display. You could even apply ‘now we see through a glass darkly’ to how indescribable the glory and beauty that our Heavenly Home has waiting for us.
You’re right, Cheri, about seeing heaven’s splendor through a glass darkly. God didn’t give us a lot of details about our final home, maybe because he does love surprises!
Nancy! I came across your blog while researching this verse for the first time myself. The pictures you posted of His marvelous creations compliment the subject so beautifully!
I also discovered that in Old Testament times, when a king had won a victory and defeated an enemy, he would have a piece of the defeated king’s robe cut off and then sewn onto the train of his own robe. The length of his robe would therefore be a sign or indication of his greatness…the more victories he had won, the more kings he had defeated. So in the text, this King’s robe filling the temple also reveals that at his Resurrection, ALL foes were defeated, of things seen and unseen, in realms known and unknown! His robe fills the temple, (That temple is you and me…it is the Bride of Christ!) leaving no room for intruders who have already been defeated! If only we apprehended this truth, we would give no “place” to any defeated enemy, and we will be filled with His victories as He intended! Hallelujah!
Thank you, Kathleen, for adding this fascinating bit of information about kings and their robes in Old Testament times, as well as including the reminder that “we are the temple of the living God (2 Corinthians 6:16). Your concluding observation is so true! Thank you for that reminder as well.
what a wonderful god we should serve.
Amen, Michael! What an honor is ours to serve such a magnificent King!
I was thinking about this yesterday, out of the clear blue and decided to research the topic and found your blog. I’m going to search the topic a little.myself and if I learn more I’ll share it with you if you want.
I was thinking of it in the terms of conquests and how we follow Him wherever He goes after we are caught in His train and how He bears and pulls the train upon His shoulders, signifying that we follow His but He drags us and we are His conquests (ever how so blessed and willing, He has conquered our hearts and loyaly). In other words, we are His train. His people.
Oh, yes, Kathleen! You are so right. Each person’s insight is a new perspective and causes our hearts to rejoice together in Him as He allows new discoveries without end. I’m delighted you stopped by, and greatly appreciate you taking the time to share your encouragement.
My heart yearns to stand in awe of His glorious satisfying Presence. The beauty of His holiness. Only eternity will quench the ever growing hunger and thirst for more. Thank You, Daddy Jesus. We will be satisfied when we awaken in your likeness! Wow! His image and likeness! To be one with Him.
Beautiful, worshipful words, Jerusalem! Your awe and praise awaken the same longing in my heart, to see him as he is and to finally be like him (1 John 3:2). Wow indeed! Thank you for leaving your inspiring comments!
Thank you, Marylou! So glad you found the post meaningful.