From Glory to Glory

Glory is not an item that we are able give or take. Glory is the brightness and splendor that rightfully belongs to something. For example, great wealth has its own splendor, a successful military power has its glorious parade and there is the majesty of a king’s royal court. These things deserve their glory because of what they are. The Creator of everything that exists has the greatest natural glory of all. The Spiritual idea declared in the title is that of our movement toward a final position in the glory of the Almighty. We came into the greatness of God’s glory when we were born again but we are continually moving closer to our final configuration as we follow the leading of God’s Holy Spirit that lives in us. The psalmist said; Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. Psalms 73:24-25 (KJV) Even Old Testament believers knew that if they obeyed God they would someday be included in the glory of the Almighty. We must desire to be part of God’s glory.

We have a glorious God. The Scripture says; Honor and majesty surround him; strength and joy fill his dwelling. O nations of the world, recognize the Lord, recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong. Give to the Lord the glory (praise) he deserves! 1 Chron 16:27-29 (NLT) The glory of the Almighty has been seen many times by humans although we cannot actually see God. The Scriptures tell us that; as Aaron spoke to the whole community of Israel, they looked out toward the wilderness. There they could see the awesome glory of the Lord in the cloud. Ex 16:10 (NLT) When the glory of God arrives on earth that place becomes Holy; When the Lord saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, “Moses! Moses!” “Here I am!” Moses replied. “Do not come any closer,” the Lord warned. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. Ex 3:4-5 (NLT) Even nature speaks of God’s glory in its own ways; The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; Psalms 19:1-2 (NLT) There is plenty of room for us to move from glory to glory with God.

Today we have the greatest manifestation of God’s glory that ever came to earth.  The Bible says; So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. John 1:14 (NLT) John had seen Jesus in person but we are waiting until He comes to claim His Church. Because Jesus is the image of the Almighty he is also surrounded by the great glory of God. One of the heavenly songs says; “Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.” Rev 5:13 (NLT) Jesus is the greatest manifestation of God’s glory that the world will ever have the opportunity to see.  For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. Col 3:3-4 (NLT) We have come to the Scriptures that gives us our hope of moving “from glory to glory”.

Because the Spirit of Jesus dwells in us we now have the privilege and ability to move ever forward into God’s glory. After years of serving the Lord some believers have an expression that will actually shine at times. Paul said that we should look forward; Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. Romans 5:2 (NLT) Of course, the glory we can be a part of here on earth is relatively small compared to what waits for us in Heaven. God the trinity all have their part in moving us into Glory. The Bible says; I pray that from his ( the Father) glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Eph 3:16-17 (NLT) The Father’s Glory is available when the Spirit empowers us because we have faith in Jesus. These three personalities make up our God and their Glory is greater than any human mind can ever comprehend. What a privilege to serve such a great God.

It is our responsibility to tell other people about the Glory of Jesus and God. One of the Psalms says this beautifully. Honor and majesty surround him; strength and beauty fill his sanctuary.
 O nations of the world, recognize the Lord; recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong. Give to the Lord the glory he deserves! Bring your offering and come into his courts. Worship the Lord in all his holy splendor. Let all the earth tremble before him. Tell all the nations, “The Lord reigns!” Psalms 96:6-10 (NLT) Remember that the definition of glory is splendor and our Lord is surrounded with Holy Splendor. One time Isaiah saw the splendor of the Lord as He sat on a throne; “high and lifted up” was his expression. The prophet felt so unclean that he had to be purified with the hot coals from a fire. The point is that we must also become pure before we arrive in Heaven to live in God’s glory. Each Christian is required to reflect the glory of our Lord in this life. The image of Jesus in our face will move from Glory to Glory until we meet Him in person someday soon.