One thing that can keep us going in the coming hard times is an understanding of God’s glory. Now, this may sound like a lofty concept best left to theologians, but I’m convinced the subject of God’s glory has very real value for every true believer. By grasping it, we unlock the door to an overcoming life.
The glory of God is a revelation of our Lord’s nature and being. You may recall from the Old Testament that Moses got a literal glimpse of God’s glory. Before then, the Lord had sent out Moses with no explanation of himself other than the words, “I AM.” Moses wanted to know something more of God, so he pleaded with him, “Lord, show me your glory.”
God responded by taking Moses aside and putting him in the cleft of a rock. Scripture says that he revealed himself to Moses in all his glory (see Exodus 34:6–7).
I believe this passage is essential to our understanding of who our Lord is. The revelation of God’s glory has powerful effects on those who receive it and pray for an understanding of it. Up to this point, Moses had viewed the Lord as a God of law and wrath. He trembled with terror in the Lord’s presence, petitioning him, crying out to him, pleading with him on behalf of Israel. This had been the basis of his face-to-face relationship with the Lord.
At the first sight of God’s glory, Moses was moved to worship. “Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped” (Exodus 34:8, NKJV). Do you see the incredible truth scripture is showing us here? True worship arises from hearts that are overcome by a vision of God. It’s based on the revelation that God gives us of himself, his goodness, his mercy, his readiness to forgive. If we’re to praise God both in spirit and in truth, our worship must be based on this awesome truth about him.
Once we receive a revelation of God’s glory, our worship can’t help but change. Why? Seeing his glory changes the way we live! It affects our countenance and behavior, changing us from “glory to glory,” making us more like him. Each new revelation of his love and mercy brings supernatural change.