The
glory of the Lord endures forever, and the Lord rejoices in all of His works
(Psalm 104:3). Regardless of the opinion mankind holds of the Lord, every knee
- in heaven, on the earth, and in hell - will bow at the Lordship of Jesus
Christ (Philippians 2:10).
As
we consider the glory of the Lord, we are transformed into His exact image
through one stage of His glory to the next (2 Corinthians 3:18). What a
privilege we experience when, through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we share in God's
glory (2 Thessalonians 2:14).
In
the Old Testament, we see the glory of the Lord represented as a cloud filling
the Temple (Ezekiel 10:4), and as a thunderous voice over the oceans, rivers,
and seas (Psalm 29:3; Habakkuk 2:14). His glory is described as "standing
there" on the plains and settling like a cloud on the mountains for days
at a time (Ezekiel 3:23; Exodus 24:16.
Sometimes,
the priests could not even enter the Temple, because the glory of the Lord
filled it (2 Chronicles 7:2; 1 Kings 8:11). In the New Testament, the shepherds
saw angels as God's glory shone as a light all around them (Luke 2:9).
The
Lord gives us certain things to do so that His glory may appear to us
(Leviticus 9:6) and to all people who will see it together (Isaiah 40:5). At
times, God's glory brings judgment to us when our ways displease Him (Exodus
16:7).
When
we consider the ways of the Lord, and the greatness of His glory, we cannot
help but break forth into songs, hymns and spiritual songs - making melody in
our heart to the Lord (Psalm 138:5; Ephesians 5:19).
Humanity's
splendor is diminishing as our society sickens into decay, but God's glory will
never fade in any sense of the world. It will simply get brighter as the reign
of Christ over the nations becomes a reality.
Prayer:
Father
God, we delight in Your creation, gazing in wonder at the works of Your hands.
We know that this world as we now experience it will pass away, but Your Word
and Your Kingdom and glory will never pass away, because they are alive and
enduring (Psalm 104:31; Isaiah 40:8; 1 Peter 1:25). We look forward to living
with You in Your new heaven and earth.
Your
glory is never more evident to us than in Your salvation. Even creation in all
of its magnificence fades when compared to the regeneration You give to anyone
willing to avail themselves of Your free gift (Romans 3:23, 6:23). We find our
hope, confidence, esteem, peace and joy in Your presence forevermore. We praise
you now and throughout eternity.
Thought
for the Day:
Our
greatest passion is to pursue everything in this life for the glory of God;
therefore, we will eliminate anything in our life that may obscure our vision
of this goal, distract us from this purpose, or tempt us away from this desire.
