Some of you know that I really like to cook. Usually, it is on a smoker or grill but the fact remains that I am drawn to this hobby as my corporate career winds down. Since I make various flavors of snack sticks and other items that require great care in measuring things and maintaining cooking temperatures, etc. Several years ago I went in search of a company who I could depend on to make absolutely superior equipment for cooks. In fact, although they do sell to the hone cook, they are well known and respected in the restaurant and professional communities. The name of the company is ThermoWorks and they have become my “go to” company whenever I am in need of thermometers, probes that can track temperatures while I am cooking or pretty much anything having to do with accurate measurement.
I have used their products for a number of years now and have replaced most of the older equipment in our kitchen with ThermoWorks products. In my opinion, they are the pinnacle of great products. Whether it is an instant read thermometer or some other measuring device, I have complete faith in their ability to provide top notch stuff.
Anyway, aside from their line of temperature monitoring devices, about a year ago ThermoWorks announced a product that they were getting ready to launch. It doesn’t sound like anything special – it’s a kitchen scale. But, it’s something that I have looked forward to with great expectation. Earlier this summer, when it was released, they sold out overnight. I guess I didn’t anticipate that kind of reception! I eventually placed my order, but the scales have been backordered until I received notice that mine was finally in transit.
Yesterday, it arrived! The first thing I noted with interest was the name of the product. They call it, “Gravitas.” At first, I thought it was quite a strange name for a kitchen scale. I know what gravitas is, but it’s not a word that we use very much any more – it was far more common a quarter of a century ago. And it seems so out of character for a product like this. Then, I read the definition on the box and before I knew it, I was searching the internet for additional definitions.
The box defined gravitas as, “Weight, authority, high seriousness…”. It went on to add “Unshakable confidence…”. The more I contemplated all this, the more I understood the choice. After all, their products are, in my opinion, the best out there. Then, it occurred to me that I wondered if there were any references to gravitas as it relates to God.
I was surprised to learn that there are, in fact, references to gravitas in considering the attributes of God. When describing the gravitas of our Heavenly Father, authors cite “The gravitas of God—His profound weight, majesty, solemn dignity, and overwhelming holiness—is reflected in scriptures that describe His absolute sovereignty, awe-inspiring presence and supreme power.” Gravitas is a degree of perfection or a trait that is desired, but rarely seen, in a leader. It was considered to be elusive and a rare quality that was sought by almost everyone – but rarely achieved. Today, the term gravitas is used to identify solemn dignity. It sounds like God is deserving of the accolade, doesn’t it?
There are numerous Bible verses that in different ways illustrate the gravitas of God. One of them is our verse for tonight – from the Psalms. The psalmist tells us, in Psalm 93:1-2, “The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and is armed with strength. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved. Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity.” This verse highlights God’s regal stability and supreme authority – gravitas!
My encouragement this evening is that we can’t ever over-emphasize the gravitas of God. He is the Supreme commander, the Creator of everything, everlasting, trustworthy, reliable and loving beyond measure. My prayer is that we should contemplate the supreme sacrifices that God the Father made in sending His Son to earth as a human – to ultimately sacrifice His life for the sins of all mankind. Nobody comes close to the gravitas of God! Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…