Glory!

Glory!

And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 40:5 NIV

Repititon strengthens memory. When a matter is emphasised, even the normally forgetful retain something. Today's extract again refers to the danger and effects of sin in a man's life; God hates sin, and will punish it, no matter in whom it is found. Let no man deceive himself into thinking that God's mercy will permanently overlook sin; right from the Garden of Eden, we know God's view and treatment of sin. Even for God's chosen people, the children of Israel, when they sinned, God did not spare them. If He treated them this way, can I boast of a special relationship with God that will make me careless about sin? I must avoid sin at all cost; its wages might be high and attractive at first, but they end in eternal death. 

Before God can move in the land, sin must be dealt with. Before I can call on God to make himself known, the path of holiness and righteousness has to be laid out. It does not matter how dry and uninteresting the path has always been; when God is ready to move, there will be a change. No matter how hard the punishment for sin has been, God is able to bring about the change in circumstances that his presence requires to be manifested. We have already established that God cannot be present where sin thrives; if I can get rid of the unrighteous leaven, then God can come into the land and make himself known to all men. When sin has been dealt with in the camp, then we are ready for the mighty move of God in the land. 

Then comes the atmosphere in which the glory of the Lord can be revealed. It will not thrive where sin abounds. Yes, God's glory is not limited by my sin, but my life cannot experience that glory if there is sin. God's glory is not in doubt; everywhere you turn, you are reminded of the might, power and wisdom of the God who created it all. But if my life will reflect that glory, it has to reflect his presence. When God's glory is revealed, it cannot be ignored. When God's glory is revealed, all men shall see it. There is also another level of glory that God seems to be speaking about here: a time is coming when my glory will not require your cooperation. It will be made manifest, whether you want it or not. That time is soon. 

A time is coming when the whole earth will see the glory of God, from one end of the earth to the other. A time is coming when either by free choice or compulsion, I will kneel in reverent submission and recognition of God's glory. God has said it, and as far as I can tell, no part of God's word will ever pass away without being fulfilled. If God says His glory is coming, I must note that there is nothing I can do to stop it. I must just cooperate with Him and let Him do what He has promised. How do I prepare for the coming glory: by surrender to the authority and Lordship of Jesus. He is the manifestation of God's glory and the One who is returning soon. Can I say, of a truth, that my life is a ready vessel for the earthly reflection, as well as eternal preparation for the manifestation of the glory of God? God's time of favour is here.