Matthew 28:19 and 2 Corinthians 13:14 - God's Grandeur:

Matthew 28:19 and 2 Corinthians 13:14 - God's Grandeur: A Devotional Inspired by the King's Splendor- Pablo F. Sanchez Daily Devotional (August 31, 2025) Friends, today, let's reflect on the sheer magnitude of our God, inspired by the powerful hymn "Cuan Grande es Dios" – How Great is Our God. The song paints a vivid picture of a King clothed in majesty, His voice causing the earth to tremble. It reminds us that our God is not some distant, detached being, but an all-powerful force actively involved in His creation. Our scripture readings today come from Matthew 28:19 and 2 Corinthians 13:14. These verses, seemingly simple, reveal a profound truth about the very nature of God: the Trinity. *Matthew 28:19 (NIV):* "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." This is the Great Commission, a direct command from Jesus to His followers. But look closer: "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." Not names, but *name*, singular. Jesus doesn't say, "baptize them in the names," implying three separate deities. Instead, He unites them under one name, signifying their unity, their oneness in purpose and being. This is the essence of the Trinity: three distinct persons, yet one God. Think of it like this: the sun. It has light, heat, and mass. These are three distinct aspects, yet they are all inherently part of the sun. You cannot separate them and still have the sun. Similarly, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct, yet inseparable, eternally bound in the Godhead. *2 Corinthians 13:14 (NIV):* "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." Paul closes his letter with this beautiful benediction, once again highlighting the distinct roles within the Trinity. We receive grace through Jesus Christ, the Son, who sacrificed Himself for our sins. We experience the boundless love of God, the Father, who created us and sent His Son to redeem us. And we are blessed with the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, who indwells us, guides us, and empowers us to live a life pleasing to God. The Bible is full of stories that point to the Triune nature of God, even if the concept wasn't fully articulated until later. Consider the story of Abraham and the three visitors in Genesis 18. Abraham addresses them in the singular, "My Lord," even though there are three men present. This has been interpreted by many to be a pre-incarnate appearance of the Trinity. Or think of the baptism of Jesus in Matthew 3. The Father speaks from heaven, the Son is being baptized in the Jordan River, and the Holy Spirit descends like a dove. All three persons of the Trinity are present at this pivotal moment. Understanding the Trinity is not about perfectly comprehending a complex theological concept. It's about recognizing the multifaceted nature of the God we serve. It's about acknowledging the Father who created us, the Son who saved us, and the Holy Spirit who empowers us. It's about understanding that God is not just one thing, but a dynamic, relational being who desires to be in relationship with us. As the song declares, "How Great is Our God!" Let us worship Him in all His fullness, embracing the mystery and majesty of the Trinity. Let us live our lives in a way that reflects His greatness, sharing His love and grace with the world. I wish that for many people, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, while for others, it is a regular part of their practice as believers. Prayer of the Day: Embracing the Triune God Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your greatness and Your unfathomable nature. We thank You for revealing Yourself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Help us to better understand Your ways and to live in accordance with Your will. Fill us with Your love, grace, and power, that we may be effective witnesses for You in the world. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. Affirmation for Today: Walking in God's Fullness I embrace the fullness of God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I trust in His love, rely on His grace, and walk in His power. Today, I will be a reflection of His greatness in all that I do.