How do we define the glory of God? His glory is comparable to His holiness
which is his totally unique and perfect divine Being. In Isaiah 6 we read how the
prophet Isaiah saw “the Lord seated on His Throne” in holiness, with Angels
surrounding Him. Isaiah 6:3 says – “And one (Angel) called to another and said:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” When
Isaiah saw God’s holiness, he understood his and the nation’s sins and he
repented deeply for both. Only after Isaiah realized that his sins were atoned
for, and that his guilt was removed, did he cry out – *Lord, here am I. Send
me!” (verse 9) Realizing our sins and the glory of God, will change us forever!
Paul’s definition of sin in Romans 3:23 is – “For all have sinned and fall short of
[literally, lack] the glory of God.” This links us back to Romans 1:23 which
explains that we have exchanged the glory of God for other things, other
“images.” That is why we “fall short” of God’s glory and need it in our lives.
God’s glory is the display and secret of His holiness. In Leviticus 10:3, God
says, “I will be shown to be holy among those who are near me, and before all
the people I will be glorified.” The holiness of God is his hidden glory. The glory
of God is his revealed holiness.
Faith gives glory to God and magnifies it. Faith helps us to see our own
weaknesses and how we need to depend upon a merciful heavenly Father. Faith
is needed to show forth the glory of God.
Romans 5:1–2 says – “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have
peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through HIM we have also
obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in
hope of the glory of God.”
In Romans 8:18, Paul says that this hope makes all the sufferings we must go
through in life worth it – “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time
are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” The glory
of God will be so overwhelmingly satisfying and rewarding, so beautiful and
precious, that any terrible long illness, any sufferings or even a painful death
will be nothing compared to His lovely Glory!
“For this slight momentary affliction [our painful life is seen as only temporary]
is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2
Corinthians 4:17).
So, we can rejoice and be glad, “For from Him and through Him and to Him are
all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen” (Romans 11:36).
Precious Abba Father God, I want my life to bring glory to You. Please show me
how I can be more like Jesus Christ, who was intensely obedient to You, and
Who took all my sins on the Cross so that I can be forgiven and cleansed.
Please mould me and shape me into a pure, righteous vessel who can radiate
Your love and fragrance to a dying, needy world. It is in Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen
Myrtle Turunen