[Monday's Devotional] - The Glory of God

This week we are looking at some of the characteristics of God, starting today with Glory.

What does the word ‘glory’ mean to you?  We have glorious food, glorious victories (perhaps sporting successes) and glorious weather (usually abroad).  But what of the awesome glory of God?

Moses asked God to show him his glory in full.  God told him that no-one may see his glorious face and live.

‘When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by.  Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.’ Exodus 33: 22-23 (NIV)

Not only was the glory of God evident to Moses, but when he spent time with God on Mount Sinai and then returned to talk to the people of Israel, his face was so radiant they were afraid to approach him!

 

Sometimes we have a too ‘human’ view of God – we should remember that we are made in God’s image, not the other way round.  As well as the kindly images of a gentle and loving father, God is mighty and awesome (another word we don’t value much these days).  To understand God better, we need to appreciate that we do not approach him in any sense as equals.  If we look at the moon on a dark and cloudless night it appears very bright.  Yet this is only a pale reflection of the sun – which we cannot look at directly without damaging our eyes!

How can we view this awesome aspect of God as an encouragement?  Well, when we are discouraged by the devastating effects of evil and sin, or dismayed by the stranglehold the devil seems to have on the earth, we should take heart in the fact that God is all-powerful and there is no question of the final outcome of the battle of good against evil.  It is only the sin and impurity in us, which makes us afraid.  One day our fear will be replaced with purity and perfect worship and love of God.  In the meantime we have a role-model in Christ, who understands what it is to be human and He has left His Spirit to remind us of Him and guide and comfort us until we meet Him face to face.

Let’s remember that today.

Dave MacLellan (first published in 2003)