Have you ever stood at the edge of the Grand Canyon, watching the sun paint the sky in breathtaking hues? Or gazed up at a star-filled night sky, feeling small yet somehow significant? These moments of awe give us a glimpse into something greater than ourselves. They’re whispers of what the Bible calls “the glory of God.”
But what exactly is the glory of God? How can we experience it in our daily lives? And why does it matter? Let’s embark on a journey to uncover the magnificence of God’s glory and its transformative power in our lives.
Key Takeaways
- The glory of God is the manifestation of His divine nature and presence.
- God has promised to reveal His glory, both globally and personally.
- Our faith and expectation play a crucial role in experiencing God’s glory.
- The manifest presence of God brings peace, healing, and transformation.
- We can prepare for God’s glory through obedience, worship, and unity.
- As believers, we are being built into a dwelling place for God’s glory.
What is the Glory of God?
The glory of God is like the sun breaking through storm clouds – it’s His divine nature shining through in our world. It’s His beauty, power, and perfection on display.
When we talk about God’s glory, we’re talking about who He is in all His splendor and majesty.
In the Bible, God’s glory often appears as a bright light or a cloud. It’s so powerful that it can make people fall to their knees in awe.
But it’s more than just a visual spectacle. God’s glory is the expression of His character – His love, holiness, and wisdom.
Biblical Examples of God’s Glory
Old Testament Manifestations
Moses on Mount Sinai
Picture this: Moses, climbing Mount Sinai, disappearing into a thick cloud. For six days, the mountain is shrouded.
On the seventh day, God calls to Moses from within the cloud. The Israelites below see the glory of God like a consuming fire on top of the mountain (Exodus 24:15-18).
This wasn’t just a light show. It was a tangible encounter with the living God. Moses emerged from this experience with his face glowing, reflecting the glory he had witnessed.
The Tabernacle
Later, we see God’s glory filling the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary the Israelites carried with them in the wilderness. Exodus 40:34-35 (NIV) tells us:
“34 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses could not enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.”
Imagine that – God’s presence so intense that even Moses couldn’t enter!
Solomon’s Temple
Fast forward to the dedication of Solomon’s Temple. As the priests and singers praised God in unity, something extraordinary happened. 2 Chronicles 5:13-14 (NIV) recounts:
“13 The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the Lord and sang: ‘He is good; his love endures forever.’ Then the temple of the Lord was filled with the cloud, 14 and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the temple of God.”
God’s glory was so overwhelming that the priests couldn’t even stand to minister. Talk about a powerful worship service!
God’s Promise to Reveal His Glory
Prophecies about God’s Glory Filling the Earth
God’s glory isn’t meant to be confined to ancient history. The Bible is full of promises that God’s glory will one day fill the whole earth. Here are a few:
- Numbers 14:21: “Nevertheless, as surely as I live and as surely as the glory of the Lord fills the whole earth…”
- Psalm 72:19: “May the whole earth be filled with his glory.”
- Habakkuk 2:14: “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”
These verses paint a picture of a future where God’s glory is as obvious and all-encompassing as water in the ocean. Can you imagine living in a world like that?
Jesus’ Promise to Manifest Himself
In the New Testament, Jesus takes this promise a step further. He doesn’t just talk about a far-off future, but about a personal manifestation of God’s glory. In John 14:21 (NIV), Jesus says:
“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
This is incredible! Jesus is promising a personal revelation of Himself – a manifestation of God’s glory – to those who love Him and follow His teachings.
The Importance of Believing for God’s Glory
Faith as a Key to Seeing God’s Glory
Remember the story of Lazarus? Before Jesus raised him from the dead, He said something profound to Martha. In John 11:40 (NIV), Jesus tells her:
“Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
This verse reveals a crucial truth: our faith plays a role in our ability to perceive God’s glory. It’s not that God’s glory isn’t there if we don’t believe. Rather, our faith opens our eyes to recognize and experience it.
Using Our Faith to Actively Expect God’s Manifestation
So how do we put this into practice? It starts with expectation. When we gather with other believers, when we pray, when we worship – we should come with an active expectation of encountering God’s glory.
This isn’t about manufacturing an emotional experience. It’s about trusting God’s promises and looking for His presence in our everyday lives.
The Impact of God’s Manifested Glory
Distinguishing Factor for True Believers
One of the most significant impacts of God’s manifested glory is that it sets believers apart. In Exodus 33:16, Moses recognizes this:
“How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”
The presence of God’s glory is what makes the church distinct from any other gathering or organization in the world.
Bringing Comfort and Peace
When God’s glory is manifested, it brings a deep sense of peace and comfort. Isaiah 11:10 describes it as a “glorious resting place.” In God’s presence, anxieties fade and hearts find rest.
Driving Out Darkness and Sickness
The glory of God is also powerful. Where God’s glory is present, darkness cannot remain. Sickness flees. The Bible is full of accounts where the manifest presence of God brought healing and deliverance.
Preparing for the Manifestation of God’s Glory
Obedience and Love for God
Jesus made it clear: love for God is demonstrated through obedience to His commands (John 14:15). This obedience isn’t about earning God’s love, but about aligning our lives with His will, creating space for His glory to be revealed.
Reverence and Worship
Throughout the Bible, we see that God’s glory often manifests in an atmosphere of worship. The story from 2 Chronicles 5 is a perfect example. When we approach God with reverence and praise, we create an environment conducive to the manifestation of His glory.
Unity in Praise and Thanksgiving
Notice how the glory filled Solomon’s temple when the musicians and singers were “as one” in their praise. There’s something powerful about unified worship that invites God’s presence.
The Church as the House of God’s Glory
Believers as Living Stones in God’s House
The apostle Peter describes believers as “living stones” being built into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5). This isn’t just poetic language. It’s a profound truth about our identity and purpose.
The Purpose of Spiritual Growth and Preparation
All the “building” we do in our spiritual lives – the discipleship, the character growth, the learning to love one another – it’s all preparation. We’re being built into a dwelling place for God’s glory.
Conclusion
As we wrap up, remember this: the glory of God isn’t just a lofty theological concept. It’s an invitation to experience the magnificent presence of the living God.
Whether in grand moments of corporate worship or in the quiet of your daily life, God’s glory is available.
Open your heart. Expect His presence. And watch as He reveals His glory in ways that will transform your life and impact the world around you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What does it mean to glorify God?
A. To glorify God means to honor Him, to reflect His character, and to make Him known through our words and actions. It’s about living in a way that draws attention to God’s greatness rather than our own.
Q. How can I see God’s glory in my daily life?
A. Start by cultivating an awareness of God’s presence. Look for evidence of His work in nature, in the kindness of others, in answered prayers. Practice gratitude, acknowledging God’s hand in the blessings of each day.
Q. Is experiencing God’s glory just for super-spiritual people?
A. Not at all! God desires to reveal Himself to all His children. While some may have more dramatic experiences, God’s glory is available to everyone who seeks Him with a sincere heart.
Q. How does understanding God’s glory impact my Christian life?
A. Understanding God’s glory gives us a proper perspective on who God is and who we are in relation to Him. It fuels our worship, motivates our obedience, and deepens our trust in God’s power and goodness.
Q. Can God’s glory be seen in suffering?
A. Yes, though it may be challenging to recognize. Sometimes God’s glory is revealed through the comfort He provides in suffering, the strength He gives to endure, or the way He uses difficult circumstances to refine our character and draw us closer to Him.
