The Glory of God

Numbers 14:1-15:16 God told Moses, “As truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord.” Moses was pleading with God not to destroy the Israelites for their disobedience. He made his appeal on the basis that all of Israel’s enemies would see their destruction and would believe that God was not able to save them. God’s response was that His ultimate plan for the earth would be fulfilled no matter how disobedient man was. He told Moses that the day will come when His glory will fill the whole earth.

When I was Presbyterian, I had to learn the Presbyterian Catechism. One of the questions asked in the Catechism was, “What is the chief end of man?” The answer that we memorized was, “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” This answer gives us our part on earth. We were created for God’s glory, and the whole earth will only be filled with His glory if we cooperate with His Holy Spirit.

As God views the earth, He sees particles of light here and there on the dark surface of the earth. These lights shining in the midst of darkness are people who allow God’s glory light to shine through them. One day God will look upon the earth, and He will see no darkness at all because the whole earth will be filled with His glory—people who allow His glory to shine through them. I don’t believe this will happen in all of its fullness until the millennium when Jesus reigns on earth. It is exciting, however, to know that we can brighten the corner where we are.

When New Jerusalem descends from heaven, the whole earth will be filled with God’s glory. New Jerusalem has no need for a light, because the glory of the Lord will be a light for the people. Until that day, we can let our lights shine brightly each day of our lives. “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine.”

Father, Your glory will shine throughout the earth and fill it one day. In the meantime, help me to stay lit with the fire of Your Holy Spirit. Help me to shine brighter and brighter as the day draws near to Your coming. I desire to brighten every room I enter, every person I meet, every situation I encounter today. Never let me walk in darkness. Help me to always walk in Your light and carry Your light to others. Amen.

READ: Numbers 14:1-15:16; Mark 14:53-72; Psalm 53:1-6; Proverbs 11:4