Strength and Beauty

Among the many descriptive figures given by the Psalmist of the greatness and glory of God, here is one which is very expressive: “Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary” (Psa. 96:66Honor and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. (Psalm 96:6)), Does not the combination appeal to us? Strength and beauty united form that which is the element of perfection. Is it not so in human character? Neither strength without beauty, nor beauty without strength is to be desired. We all know human beings in whom there is the beauty of goodness and kindness and unselfishness, but who with all this that is lovely are so weak and yielding, so afraid to stand alone, or oppose what is wrong, that their character has no weight. On the other hand, we know strong, courageous natures that are so devoid of tenderness, so stern and unmovable that we shrink from being brought into contact with them. The beauty needs strength, and the strength needs beauty. Shall we recall to our memories the description of the two great brazen pillars in Solomon’s Temple? In height about thirty-three feet, with a diameter measurement of rather over nine feet. Our first thought of them would certainly have been, what remarkable strength there is in these pillars! The name given to each enforces this fact: “Jachin,” i.e., “He shall establish”; and “Booz,” i.e., “In it is strength.” Yet the beauty was not omitted. The top of these brazen pillars was ornamented with lily-work and hung with rows of pomegranates. Brilliantly beautiful must these great pillars have been. They were God-appointed just as they were. It is clearly God’s appointment for His children that both strength and beauty should characterize them. “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Eph. 6:1010Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (Ephesians 6:10)). “Only be thou very courageous” (Josh. 1). “Thou, therefore endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Tim. 2:33Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. (2 Timothy 2:3)). This for strength. Then the other side for beauty we have, “Be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another” (Eph. 4:3232And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)). “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Phil. 2:44Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. (Philippians 2:4)). “Whatsoever things are pure ... whatsoever things are lovely... think on these things” (Phil. 4:88Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)). Are not such sweet graces as these the “lily-work” on the strong pillars of the spiritual house of God? A strong, brave man who is tender to his wife or mother, and gentle to little children, is one to be trusted and loved whoever he may be. Strength and beauty shone as twin stars of brilliant glory in the Person of the Lord Jesus. Before the strong Son of God evil men and evil spirits quailed and fled. But the beauty of His gentleness drew little children into His arms. Those most like the Master will bless others by the strength and beauty of their characters.
Margaret Esdaile.