It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings. (Pro 25:2)
God has glorified himself by creating a vast and intricate universe, one which contains many mysteries for us to uncover. Godly rulers glorify themselves by always seeking truth, knowledge and wisdom. From these flow justice, which God charges every ruler to uphold.
There is also a deeper principle here that extends beyond kings and rulers. God has glorified himself not only by creating this mysterious universe, but also by creating a unique species to inhabit it – man. He has given us the ability to plumb these mysteries by observation, experimentation and contemplation. Whenever we exercise this God-given ability we bring glory to God. As Christians, we can be proud to pursue any secular vocation, as long as we give all the glory to God. All of us - not just scientists, doctors and lawyers but also waiters, clerks and janitors - all of us bring glory to God when we exercise our gifts in humility and righteousness. We use our God-given ability to understand the task at hand and then apply our strength of mind and hand to accomplish it. Lord, help me to remember every day as I work at home and on the job to give you all the glory for the unique gifts you have given me. Amen.
Showing posts with label glory of God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label glory of God. Show all posts
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Poor For Our Sakes
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. (2 Cor 8:9)
If we had never heard of the Crucifixion or the Resurrection, we would already have been astonished by the Incarnation. Before the Lord Jesus had ever been beaten or mocked or harmed in any way, he already had shown the depth of his love for us by laying aside his glory to become a man. That he, who lives enthroned in heaven, would leave it behind to step into frail human flesh is already a sacrifice too great for us to comprehend. Truly, he became poor for our sakes. And now we have his promise, paid by his blood and sealed by his Spirit, “that when he appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” (I Jn 3:2) Then we will truly be made rich, to live forever in the glory and splendor of his presence.
If we had never heard of the Crucifixion or the Resurrection, we would already have been astonished by the Incarnation. Before the Lord Jesus had ever been beaten or mocked or harmed in any way, he already had shown the depth of his love for us by laying aside his glory to become a man. That he, who lives enthroned in heaven, would leave it behind to step into frail human flesh is already a sacrifice too great for us to comprehend. Truly, he became poor for our sakes. And now we have his promise, paid by his blood and sealed by his Spirit, “that when he appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” (I Jn 3:2) Then we will truly be made rich, to live forever in the glory and splendor of his presence.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Hope of Glory
Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. (Ex 40:34-35)
Which is the greater miracle, the Shekinah glory filling the tabernacle, or “Christ in you, the hope of glory?” (Col 1:27) How marvelous to think about a time when the presence of God was so clearly and indisputably present! How simple and obvious it was to follow God’s leading. When the cloud lifted, they followed it. But the Presence of the Lord was also carefully isolated from the people – inside the courtyard and behind two curtains. Even Moses could not enter the tent when the cloud settled upon it.
As marvelous as it was to have a direct, physical manifestation of God’s presence, the greater miracle is that today he lives in the heart of every believer! What a privilege to BE the tabernacle of God. By Christ’s atoning death for us the veil was torn and now, far from being separated from God, we could not be any closer. And yet…I still long to see God's Shekinah glory. I have his promise that I will – Christ in me, the hope of glory. His presence in me assures me that I will one day witness a far greater manifestation of his glory than anything the ancient Israelites ever experienced.
But what of those around us? God’s visible presence with the Israelites put all the other tribes and nations on notice – these are God’s people. What is God’s plan today? “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (Jn 13:35) It is amazing that God’s plan for this age relies so heavily on us. In Moses’ day his presence was visible, and God worked mighty miracles to show the nations that he was the Lord of Israel. Today, God’s presence is in my heart and my life is supposed to demonstrate the reality of his presence! Lord, help me to rise to this tremendous challenge. I am deeply humbled that you have chosen us to be such an integral part of your plan. I am willing, Lord, but I know I need your help. Thank you for the work that you are doing in me to glorify yourself. Teach me to show your love to everyone around me, so that your presence would be real in their lives. Amen.
Which is the greater miracle, the Shekinah glory filling the tabernacle, or “Christ in you, the hope of glory?” (Col 1:27) How marvelous to think about a time when the presence of God was so clearly and indisputably present! How simple and obvious it was to follow God’s leading. When the cloud lifted, they followed it. But the Presence of the Lord was also carefully isolated from the people – inside the courtyard and behind two curtains. Even Moses could not enter the tent when the cloud settled upon it.
As marvelous as it was to have a direct, physical manifestation of God’s presence, the greater miracle is that today he lives in the heart of every believer! What a privilege to BE the tabernacle of God. By Christ’s atoning death for us the veil was torn and now, far from being separated from God, we could not be any closer. And yet…I still long to see God's Shekinah glory. I have his promise that I will – Christ in me, the hope of glory. His presence in me assures me that I will one day witness a far greater manifestation of his glory than anything the ancient Israelites ever experienced.
But what of those around us? God’s visible presence with the Israelites put all the other tribes and nations on notice – these are God’s people. What is God’s plan today? “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (Jn 13:35) It is amazing that God’s plan for this age relies so heavily on us. In Moses’ day his presence was visible, and God worked mighty miracles to show the nations that he was the Lord of Israel. Today, God’s presence is in my heart and my life is supposed to demonstrate the reality of his presence! Lord, help me to rise to this tremendous challenge. I am deeply humbled that you have chosen us to be such an integral part of your plan. I am willing, Lord, but I know I need your help. Thank you for the work that you are doing in me to glorify yourself. Teach me to show your love to everyone around me, so that your presence would be real in their lives. Amen.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Wonders of Creation
Have you ever given orders to the morning,
or shown the dawn its place,
that it might take the earth by the edges
and shake the wicked out of it?
(Job 38:12-13)
In chapters 38 and 39 of Job, the Lord describes the wonders of his creation. By one rhetorical question after another he reminds Job that it was he, and not Job, who created it in all its splendor. Creation is vast beyond measure, intricate beyond our understanding, and powerful beyond our control. I think chapters 38 and 39 are some of the most beautiful poetry in the Bible. And I stand in awe of creation not just because of its vastness, intricacy and power, but also because of its beauty, which is so richly conveyed here.
It is interesting as well to read this passage 3000 years after it was written. Our modern knowledge of nature is many times greater than the ancients – when God asks Job his rhetorical questions, some of them we can now say yes to:
Do you know when the mountain goats give birth?
Do you watch when the doe bears her fawn?
(Job 39:1)
To which anyone who watches National Geographic TV specials could probably say yes. But the larger point is still intact and powerful. God knows when every mountain goat gives birth, and watches every fawn being born. In fact, as we learn more about creation we appreciate even better than the author of Job how vast, intricate, powerful and beautiful the universe is. But modern man no longer looks beyond creation to see the power and majesty of the Creator. They call it Nature now, with a capital N, and worship it instead of God. They have mastered the trick of looking at the most beautiful and well designed system imaginable and ascribing its origin to pure chance. Lord, open the eyes of the blind. Let them see you in your creation. Let science once again be practiced for your glory. Praise you, for you are the Creator and Lord of All! Amen.
or shown the dawn its place,
that it might take the earth by the edges
and shake the wicked out of it?
(Job 38:12-13)
In chapters 38 and 39 of Job, the Lord describes the wonders of his creation. By one rhetorical question after another he reminds Job that it was he, and not Job, who created it in all its splendor. Creation is vast beyond measure, intricate beyond our understanding, and powerful beyond our control. I think chapters 38 and 39 are some of the most beautiful poetry in the Bible. And I stand in awe of creation not just because of its vastness, intricacy and power, but also because of its beauty, which is so richly conveyed here.
It is interesting as well to read this passage 3000 years after it was written. Our modern knowledge of nature is many times greater than the ancients – when God asks Job his rhetorical questions, some of them we can now say yes to:
Do you know when the mountain goats give birth?
Do you watch when the doe bears her fawn?
(Job 39:1)
To which anyone who watches National Geographic TV specials could probably say yes. But the larger point is still intact and powerful. God knows when every mountain goat gives birth, and watches every fawn being born. In fact, as we learn more about creation we appreciate even better than the author of Job how vast, intricate, powerful and beautiful the universe is. But modern man no longer looks beyond creation to see the power and majesty of the Creator. They call it Nature now, with a capital N, and worship it instead of God. They have mastered the trick of looking at the most beautiful and well designed system imaginable and ascribing its origin to pure chance. Lord, open the eyes of the blind. Let them see you in your creation. Let science once again be practiced for your glory. Praise you, for you are the Creator and Lord of All! Amen.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Reflecting His Glory
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Cor 3:18)
The veil which blinded us to Christ has been removed, and we now reflect his glory, as Moses’ face reflected God’s glory coming down from Mt. Sinai. So we have already been transformed – we already reflect the Lord’s glory. But wait, there’s more! The transformation – the sanctification – continues and we continue to become more like him. This is the work of the Holy Spirit. It is not something we can do, but God alone. Our part is to yield, to receive. Lord, teach me to yield. Thank you that my sanctification does not depend on my strength. Thank you that you are faithful. I will follow you, and let you do your work in me. Amen.
The veil which blinded us to Christ has been removed, and we now reflect his glory, as Moses’ face reflected God’s glory coming down from Mt. Sinai. So we have already been transformed – we already reflect the Lord’s glory. But wait, there’s more! The transformation – the sanctification – continues and we continue to become more like him. This is the work of the Holy Spirit. It is not something we can do, but God alone. Our part is to yield, to receive. Lord, teach me to yield. Thank you that my sanctification does not depend on my strength. Thank you that you are faithful. I will follow you, and let you do your work in me. Amen.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Fame Is Fleeting
All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field. (Is 40:6b)
In the larger scope of history, one man’s life is just a brief moment. All our accomplishments soon fade. They fall into disrepair and are soon forgotten. Only a very few are remembered at all. Yet people strive to be remembered. They long for immortality. How tragic that so many would seek such ephemeral fame. How poor and unsatisfactory an immortality it is, to exist only in the memory of others – and that for only a few generations. The truth, unrecognized by these glory seekers, is that we are all immortal. Yet if we spend our lives building monuments to ourselves it is all in vain and will be forgotten. If we spend our lives for God's glory, it will be to our everlasting reward. Lord, help me to store up treasure in heaven, to build on your foundation in gold, silver and costly stones. Let my works be to your glory, not mine. Amen.
In the larger scope of history, one man’s life is just a brief moment. All our accomplishments soon fade. They fall into disrepair and are soon forgotten. Only a very few are remembered at all. Yet people strive to be remembered. They long for immortality. How tragic that so many would seek such ephemeral fame. How poor and unsatisfactory an immortality it is, to exist only in the memory of others – and that for only a few generations. The truth, unrecognized by these glory seekers, is that we are all immortal. Yet if we spend our lives building monuments to ourselves it is all in vain and will be forgotten. If we spend our lives for God's glory, it will be to our everlasting reward. Lord, help me to store up treasure in heaven, to build on your foundation in gold, silver and costly stones. Let my works be to your glory, not mine. Amen.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Living for His Glory
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (I Cor 10:31)
I wrote this verse on the first page of this journal. It makes a great “life verse.” Truly, if God is Lord of all, if this body and this world are passing away, then there is no higher end to life than to live it for his glory. It is not just a matter of avoiding sin, we must actively seek to glorify him in every decision, every act. Lord, please remind me of this verse every day. Amen.
I wrote this verse on the first page of this journal. It makes a great “life verse.” Truly, if God is Lord of all, if this body and this world are passing away, then there is no higher end to life than to live it for his glory. It is not just a matter of avoiding sin, we must actively seek to glorify him in every decision, every act. Lord, please remind me of this verse every day. Amen.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Follow the Cloud, Not the Crowd
In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out – until the day it lifted. (Ex 40:36)
How marvelous to think about the Shekinah glory of God hovering over the tabernacle! And what a great picture of what it means to be truly Spirit-led. Lord, I want to go when you go and stay when you stay. I want to dwell in the middle of your presence. Give me spiritual eyes to see the movement of your Holy Spirit, so I might always be led by you.
How marvelous to think about the Shekinah glory of God hovering over the tabernacle! And what a great picture of what it means to be truly Spirit-led. Lord, I want to go when you go and stay when you stay. I want to dwell in the middle of your presence. Give me spiritual eyes to see the movement of your Holy Spirit, so I might always be led by you.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
For the Increase of His Glory
When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." (Jn 11:4)
Jesus knew that Lazarus was sick; he even knew that he was going to die. And when he heard the request of Mary and Martha to come, he still stayed two more days. He allowed Lazarus to get sick and die, and appeared to ignore the supplications of Mary and Martha. All this was so that God would be glorified. As we pray for the lost, that God would rescue them from the path of destruction, we cannot know if perhaps God delays his answer for the increase of his glory. He allowed Mary and Martha and Lazarus to suffer for a season, knowing that their joy would be greater in the end and that he would receive greater glory.
Jesus knew that Lazarus was sick; he even knew that he was going to die. And when he heard the request of Mary and Martha to come, he still stayed two more days. He allowed Lazarus to get sick and die, and appeared to ignore the supplications of Mary and Martha. All this was so that God would be glorified. As we pray for the lost, that God would rescue them from the path of destruction, we cannot know if perhaps God delays his answer for the increase of his glory. He allowed Mary and Martha and Lazarus to suffer for a season, knowing that their joy would be greater in the end and that he would receive greater glory.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Ad Gloriam Dei
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Cor 10:31)
Day by Day,
Day by Day,
Oh Dear Lord,
Three things I pray.
To see thee more clearly,
Love thee more dearly,
Follow thee more nearly.
Day by Day.
Lyrics from the musical Godspell
Based on a prayer by Richard, Bishop of Chichester (1197-1253)
These words capture perfectly the heart message of One on One with God. As I embark on these meditations it is my guiding purpose to know him, to love him and to serve him better and better with each passing day. So I have inscribed them here, at the beginning of my journal, to remind me every day of what I am about. And now I am offering them to you, dear reader, to urge upon you the same life purpose. Some of the meditations I post here will be short and some long, some trivial and some profound, but in each one I am animated by this desire: to know him, to love him and to serve him.
Day by Day,
Day by Day,
Oh Dear Lord,
Three things I pray.
To see thee more clearly,
Love thee more dearly,
Follow thee more nearly.
Day by Day.
Lyrics from the musical Godspell
Based on a prayer by Richard, Bishop of Chichester (1197-1253)
These words capture perfectly the heart message of One on One with God. As I embark on these meditations it is my guiding purpose to know him, to love him and to serve him better and better with each passing day. So I have inscribed them here, at the beginning of my journal, to remind me every day of what I am about. And now I am offering them to you, dear reader, to urge upon you the same life purpose. Some of the meditations I post here will be short and some long, some trivial and some profound, but in each one I am animated by this desire: to know him, to love him and to serve him.
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