Glory is quite difficult to discern apart from human manifestations. How we look, how people perceive us, our accomplishments: each of these reflect upon our own achievement, and can be accomplished completely apart from God. But much deeper than happiness is the concept of joy, just as God-glory eclipses earthly attainment.
“Since we have such a clear mission from God as we received mercy, we do not lose heart about bringing mercy to others…though our outer man is in the inevitable process of decaying, our inner man is being made new day by day.” – 2 Corinthians 4:1,16
It is difficult to feel we are making huge progress when we balance our hoped for accomplishments with our inevitable, limited number of days. We are investing in something we cannot completely understand now. We must constantly refocus the reason we do what we do – and not lose heart.
Sometimes this is easier said than done. Living for a future promise can seem hard to picture. Yet this is the arena where authentic faith is nurtured.
“All of these men and women died in faith without receiving the promises. But they welcome the fulfilled promises in the hope of the promised new heavens and earth. They accepted the fact they were strangers and exiles on the earth – this world was not their home.” – Hebrews 11:13
The glory of God is beyond our imaginations, though in Jesus I have a very clear representation of my heavenly Father. What will my eternal experience be with such amazing, unfolding glory? We shall see!
“There is one breathtaking beauty of the sun, and another glory the moon exudes, and another panorama of the stars: with one star differing from another star in design and brilliance. It will be the same with the resurrection of the dead. Here our souls are sown in perishable bodies, then they will be raised to an indestructible existence. Because of sin we are surrounded by dishonor. But by God’s grace we will be raised in glory! Here seed is sown in weakness, there it will be raised in power! In this life it lives in a natural body, then it will be raised in a spiritual, never-ending body. If our natural bodies are so apparent, our spiritual bodies will be no less real!”
– 1 Corinthians 15:41-44
This future spiritual existence is an anchor for my hope. As Paul said, “if we have only hoped in Christ in this life alone, we are of all men to be most pitied.” Glory is deeply valuable.
√ Where is your heart on the issue of what brings value?
√ Do you ever feel like a stranger or an alien in the world in which you walk?
√ What do you think will be within the unfolding folds of glory?
Living for a joy and a superior glory – together with you!
Dave and Burnadette