Choirs and churches have long filled auditoriums with the sound of many voices echoing the familiar Doxology. At times, we might hear trumpets and trombones combining for the ceremonial service. More often than not, this continues on in very traditional assemblies or during our attendance at a classical concert.

"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him, all creatures here below
Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost"
Although the song doesn't usually slide into our earphones and music players of this modern day, the lyrics resonate quite powerfully through any age. Such a common doxology is known as a "word of exaltation" or "word of glory" (Greek: doxa = glory; logos = word). Early in our study, we learned that "glory" is simply the "most exalted state" of the object, person, or thing it describes.

"At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth;" Philippians 2:10

Often we find ourselves academically confident that to "fall on our knees" would be too earthly and too human when we think of ourselves, in some way, as superhuman. Nothing could be further from the truth. We are not in any way superior to the heirs of the earth that we might fathom standing in the presence of God without falling on our knees. They will fall and so shall we.

"For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man." Ephesians 3:14-16

"But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

Knees buckle in the presence of greatness, but they also bend to the acknowledgement of what we do not have by comparison. To be "rich" in glory is not merely to have glory, which is above all most exalted, but to have an abundance of exaltation. Even the seed that is planted and arises from the ground in the form of a beautiful creation has only a single glory to declare. It is glorious, yes, but it is glorious within its own capacity. When the Scripture says that the Father is "rich" in glory, a much more incredible truth is being revealed.

Well-endowed businessmen often give pep talks on the means to acquire great wealth. Themes often include statements like, "Don't rush to spend, be patient and save." Common sense tells us that if we spend, our wealth decreases. If we save, our wealth naturally increases because we are not spending. Now, pause for a moment and think about where this is going. Did you figure it out, yet?

The Father is "rich" in glory because He saves those who have no glory on their own. God increases His own glory through saving grace.

"For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him." Romans 10:12

He has plenty to give. And for that, God is great. You might find yourself giggling to recall the phrase "God is great" because it brings back memories of childhood prayers before each meal:

"God is great, God is good
Let us thank Him for our food"
While this famous prayer even makes me smile as I remember family gatherings and children who keep their eyes open to watch what everyone else is doing, it is not the desired intention for "God is great."

"For the Lord [is] a great God and a great King above all gods." Psalm 95:3

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;" Titus 2:13

The Greek word underneath "great" is megas. And you're absolutely right if you're thinking what I think you're thinking. To be "mega" is to be large in scope and size beyond the normal measure. That is, when we see that God is great, we are recognizing Him as willing and able to do more than we can ask or imagine.

"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us," Ephesians 3:20

"Great [is] the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness [is] unsearchable." Psalm 145:3

King David speaks about God's greatness as unsearchable. And on this truth we must rest our hats. We have searched out the depths of God's glory and discovered many details. But in a search of His greatness, we find ourselves unable to go higher. For what can be greater than the greatest? At this end, the King eternal proves Himself worthy of all honor.

Soldiers find honor in their service. Patriots find honor in their loyalty. But God, who is "rich in mercy," is not alone honored because of what He has done or will do. He is honored because of who He is.

"Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, [be] honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." I Timothy 1:17

"Which in his times he shall show, [who is] the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom [be] honor and power everlasting. Amen." I Timothy 6:15-16

Greek use of the term "honor" refers to a fixed value that does not change or waiver based on conditions. Believers are often quick to say that He "deserves" honor or that He "deserves" glory for what He has done in their lives, through their lives, or during the course of another's life, but in no uncertain terms does Paul say that honor and glory simply belong to Him.

He is the only King, the only Potentate, the only wise, and the only One. For that He is exalted and honored above anything we have received or hope to receive.