In mathematics, the greater-than, less-than symbols are used to show inequalities in numerical values. As I attempt to help my grandchildren with their math homework, I’m challenged to remember mathematical principles that I once knew so well. The greater-than, less-than symbols got me thinking about God’s perspective on greater-than and less-than…
Consider the following scriptures that include the words “greater than”:
1. Exodus 18:11 (NLT) I know now that the Lord is greater than all other gods, because He rescued His people from the oppression of the proud Egyptians." (After Moses told his father-in-law, Jethro, about the might acts the Lord did to save Israel from Pharoah and the Egyptians, Jethro said these words.)
2. Job 33:12 (NLT) "But you are wrong, and I will show you why. For God is greater than any human being. (Job’s friend, Elihu, was correcting Job when he said this.)
3. Matt 11:11 (NLT) "I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is!” (These are the words of Jesus regarding John the Baptist, who was in prison, and also regarding who is great in God’s Kingdom.)
4. Mark 12:30-31 (NLT) And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.' The second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these." (Jesus said this to a teacher of religious law when asked which commandment is most important.)
5. John 14:28-29 (NLT) Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am. (The words of Jesus to one of the disciples.)
6. 1 John 3:20-21 (NKJV) For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. The NLT says it like this, Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and He knows everything. (These are John’s words to us.)
7. John 14:12 (NKJV) "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. (What power-packed words of Jesus to us!)
Four instances of “less-than” appearing in the Word are these:
1. Ezra 9:13 (MSG) "And now this, on top of all we've already suffered because of our evil ways and accumulated guilt, even though you, dear God, punished us far less than we deserved and even went ahead and gave us this present escape. (Ezra was crying out to God for His people’s sins, acknowledging the Lord’s great mercy on them.)
2. Job 11:6 (NLT) If only he would tell you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom is not a simple matter. Listen! God is doubtless punishing you far less than you deserve! (Another of Job’s “friends,” Zophar, is speculating why things have gone so dreadfully wrong for Job.)
3. Isa 40:17 (MSG) All the nations add up to simply nothing before him--less than nothing is more like it. A minus. (This is regarding God’s magnificence and greatness over all of creation.)
4. Isa 41:23-24 (NLT) Do something that will amaze and frighten us. But no! You are less than nothing and can do nothing at all. Those who choose you pollute themselves. (God is addressing idols and gives His opinion on their worthlessness.)
So THAT’S the greater-than, less-than principle in God’s book! Choose your favorites and meditate on them today!