16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 3:17-18
glory [glawr-ee, glohr-ee]
noun
- very great praise, honor, or distinction bestowed by common consent; renown
- adoring praise or worshipful thanksgiving
- a state of great splendor, magnificence, or prosperity
- the splendor and bliss of heaven; heaven
In the original Greek, glory descends from the word doxa, which means magnificence, excellence, preeminence, dignity, grace; a thing belonging to God (emphasis mine). Because glory belongs to God, it is a word that is uncommon to the current culture. The less God we allow, the less glory will be revealed.
In the Old Testament, God’s shekinah glory appeared as a consuming fire, a pillar of cloud, or brilliant light. Shekinah, a Hebrew word for glory, descends from the word shachan, which means to dwell or tabernacle. In the Old Testament, God’s glory dwelt between the cherubim. In the New Testament, God’s glory tabernacles with men, by the indwelling presence of His Spirit in the heart of each believer. Hallelujah!
According to the verse above, when we accept Jesus as our Savior, the veil is lifted, and we see the glory of God. Matthew Henry states, “This light [glory] and liberty are transforming; we are changed into the same image, from glory to glory (v. 18), from one degree of glorious grace unto another, till grace here be consummated in glory for ever.” And as we are transformed, we reflect His glory to those around us.
Trying to define God’s glory is like trying to capture the wind. Who can explain it?
There are a few things I have learned over the years about God’s glory. There are as follows:
- God will share His glory with no one.
- By using our gifts, we can bring God great glory.
- We are to do all things to the glory of God.
- In our present state, we cannot see the full-on glory of God and live.
- The earth is full of God’s glory.
Glory refers to God’s perfectness, power, holiness, and goodness, in short His God-ness. If we were able to explain His glory, we would be able to explain God Himself. The Great I AM. That is perhaps the best explanation glory … it is who He is. Glory Hallelujah!
Action Points:
- How can you use your gifts to bring God glory?
- How can you glorify God in your present challenge?
- Look for God’s glory today in nature and praise Him!
God Bless America.
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