King Louis "the Great"

In 1715, King Louis XIV of France died after a reign of 72 years. He had called himself “the Great,” and was the monarch who made the famous statement, “I am the state!” His court was the most magnificent in Europe, and his funeral was equally spectacular. As his body lay in state in a golden coffin, orders were given that the cathedral should be very dimly lit with only a special candle set above his coffin, to dramatize his greatness. At the memorial, thousands waited in hushed silence. Then Bishop Massilon began to speak; slowly reaching down, he snuffed out the candle and said, "Only God is great."

Only God is great. Through the years, many men have proclaimed their own greatness, yet they all have fallen. From Caesar to Alexander the Great to Napoleon Bonaparte, history is filled with powerful leaders and conquerors who sought to give themselves the title of great. But only one Man who walked on this earth deserves to be called great—the Lord Jesus Christ.

Source: Daily in the Word, May 19, 2008