It is Not Surprising to Realize That God’s Glory

has or will impact every aspect of the created order. Scripture states that the entire earth is filled with his glory (Isa 6:3). Everywhere we see God’s glorious divine nature in creation (Rom. 1:20). Astronomy with its mighty telescopes show us the incredible interstellar glory of the Lord. The microscope shows us with precision the intricacies of his glory.

Yet God’s person is more glorious than creation. Even though the heavens proclaim the Lord’s glory (Psa. 19:1) a time is coming when there will no longer be a need for the sun or moon because the Lord’s glory will become the everlasting light (Isa. 24:23, 60:19). That which proclaimed the glory of God must ultimately secede to the One who is all glorious.

However, not only does God radiate glory he also has ordained that he is to receive glory. First, the Father receives glory because of the Son (John 13:32). For example in the raising of Lazarus from the dead both the Father and Son received glory (John 11:4). Secondly, Israel and Judah were created as a people who would bring glory to God (Jer. 13:11). Unfortunately, their history is primarily of rejecting the Lord. However, for those Jews who have believed in Christ these have brought Him glory (Eph. 1:2).

Thirdly, God receives glory when believers accept fellow Christians in the same way that Jesus has individually accepted us (Rom. 15:7). This is not always easy as not every believers personality meshes with ours. The result is we often have difficulty expressing acceptance. There is only one way that Godly harmony can be achieved in such relationships that is by allowing Christ to develop a righteousness of character within us. Such a process of growth and development brings glory to God (Phil 1:11). From the Lords perspective our character needs to modelled after the example set by Jesus. This becomes a direct measuring rod of our personal commitment to him. As one becomes more mature in Christ they will increasingly desire to do all things in life for the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31).

There is a least one other way the Lord sometimes chooses to receives glory. It is in rescuing and preserving the life of his follower. David regularly found himself in tight spots. His enemies were often closing in on him. On one such occasion the psalmist cries out to God for protection (Psa. 143:11).

Those who obey Jehovah have been created by God for the glory of his name (Isa. 43:7, Rom. 1:5). However, we need to realize that the believer was not only created for the Lord’s glory. There is a flip side — according to Paul we are also to share his glory (Rom. 5:2, 2 Thess. 2:14). This promise comes with a price. The Apostle states “if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering” (Rom 8:17). The thought of suffering appeals to few. The Apostle’s perspective is that he was willing to suffer during his earthly journey because of the heavenly reward that awaited him (Rom. 8:18).

What is the “glory quotient” of your life? Are you seeking to bring glory to God in the way you live? Are you willing to experience suffering as unpleasant at it may be? Although it is not always pleasant bringing glory to the Lord should be our ultimate desire. May God give us the perseverance to finish the course!

Copyright. Bruce October 2010

Note: All quotes taken from the New Living Translation Second Edition.