GREATNESS
SNUFFED

Topics: Arrogance; Creator; Death; Fear; God; Irreverence; Judgment; Limitations; Power

References: Deuteronomy 3:24; Psalm 8:3–4; 19:1–6; 145:3; Isaiah 63:1; Revelation 1:12–16; 19:1–16

King Louis XIV of France, who preferred to be called “Louis the Great” and had declared, “I am the State!” died in 1717. His court was the most magnificent in Europe, and his funeral was the most spectacular.

In the church where the ceremony was performed, his body lay in a golden coffin. To dramatize his greatness, orders had been given that the cathedral would be very dimly lit with only one special candle that was to be set above the coffin.

The thousands of people in attendance waited in silence. Then Bishop Massillon began to speak. Slowly reaching down, he snuffed out the candle and said, “Only God is great.”

—Jeff Arthurs, “Laying the Foundation for Peace,” PreachingToday.com