God's Glory
Isaiah 66:18 For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory.
God's glory is the very essence of His being. Glory, in the biblical sense, encompasses His holiness, power, and the radiant beauty of His nature. It is the manifestation of all His attributes combined in perfect harmony.
Holiness: God’s glory is tied to His holiness. It signifies His purity and moral perfection. Isaiah 6:3 declares, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” God’s holiness sets Him apart, and His glory is the visible manifestation of this separateness and moral excellence.
Power: The power of God is another aspect of His glory. It is displayed in creation, sustenance, and redemption. Psalm 19:1 proclaims, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Every star, every mountain, every ocean wave speaks to the boundless power and glory of our Creator.
Beauty: The beauty of God’s glory is seen in His perfect nature. It draws us into worship and adoration. As we read in Psalm 27:4, “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.”
Isaiah 66:18 speaks of a future where all nations and tongues will come to see God’s glory. This vision highlights the inclusiveness of God’s plan of salvation and His desire for all people to know Him.
Gathering of Nations: The gathering of nations signifies God’s universal outreach. No one is excluded from the opportunity to witness His glory. This is a call to evangelism and mission, echoing the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19, where Jesus commands, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations.”
Unity in Diversity: In gathering all tongues, God’s glory brings unity amidst diversity. Revelation 7:9 gives us a understanding of this future: “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”
What should be our response to God's Glory?
Recognizing the glory of God calls for a response. We are called to recognise, be active and also proclaim His glory wherever we are through the following means.
Worship: Our primary response to God’s glory is worship. True worship is not just an act but a lifestyle. Romans 12:1 urges us, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
Transformation: Experiencing God’s glory transforms us. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” As we behold His glory, we are changed to reflect His character and love.
Proclamation: Finally, witnessing God’s glory compels us to share it with others. We are called to be light in the world, as Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
In conclusion, Let us embrace His call, worship Him with our whole lives, be transformed by His presence, and boldly proclaim His glory to all nations. May we live in the light of His glory, reflecting His beauty and love in everything we do.
God bless you.
Prayer key:
1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of your word today in Jesus Christ name.
2. Lord, grant us the grace to see and reflect your holiness, power and beauty in our lives in Jesus Christ name.
3. Lord, gather us and all nations to witness and proclaim your glory in Jesus Christ name.
4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.