The Glory of God
The Glory of God
The glory of God is profound and awe-inspiring, woven throughout the Scriptures, and it encapsulates His majesty, and holiness, and displays His divinity. The glory of God inspires worship and calls us to reflect God's glory in our lives.
In the Old Testament, God’s glory is frequently revealed through His creation as well as through many mighty acts of awe and wonder. In Psalm 19:1, the Psalmist says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” This verse illustrates how the existence of this natural world is a testament to God’s majesty. Here not only does he declare the glory of God as creator but he invites all humanity to acknowledge His greatness. No doubt he considers the grandeur of mountains, the vast oceans, and the wonder of the stars and how they all point to a Creator whose glory is beyond human comprehension.
God's glory was magnificently displayed in the book of Exodus. In Exodus 33:18-19, Moses requests to see God’s glory, and God responds, “I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee.” This demonstrates that God's glory is intertwined with all His attributes, such as His goodness. Later, in Exodus 34:29, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai, his face shone because he had been in the presence of the Lord, reflecting the radiance of God’s glory. This serves as a powerful reminder of how close communion with God transforms us, and we begin to reflect His glory in our lives.
In the New Testament, the glory of God finds its fullest expression in Jesus Christ. In John 1:14, the Apostle John proclaims, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” Here, the incarnate Word reveals the glory of God in a tangible way, as Jesus embodies His character, and fulfills His role in the redemptive plan for all of humanity.
Additionally, Romans 3:23 states, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” This verse underscores humanity’s need for redemption; we are all fallen and in need of restoration to reflect God’s glory fully. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, we are all encouraged to pursue holiness and righteousness, that we may become shining lights in this dark and sinful world. Philippians 2:15 encourages, “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.”
The glory of God is an essential aspect of biblical teaching. All who bear the name “Christian” must recognize, reflect, and respond to the overwhelming wonder of God's presence, both in His creation and through the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, His Son. As we live out our faith in obedience, we proclaim His glory to the world around us, and when this life is no more, we have hope to share in His glory for eternity.
>PS. This week, celebrate God's glory in your life by writing down at least one moment of beauty or awe you experience each day, and share it with others so they may be encouraged as well.