joy | Rebecca Aarup

Glory Revealed

God’s first great glory was seen in the act of Creation; namely man in His own image:

“So God created man in His own image. In the image of God He created him; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27-NIV

God’s greatest glory then came through His Son in human flesh:

“[The Word became human and made His home among us.] We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 [NLT] NIV

Through His unconditional capacity to love His creation, He desired for man to reflect the glory of Himself.

“We, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

2 Corinthians 3:18-NIV

Wrap your head around this truth: you are the glory of God revealed! He created us to be a manifestation of His very likeness, and that “glory” means a lot more than merely an hour in church on Sunday morning singing songs that “glorify God”. It means that our very being is a glorification of God Himself! When He created us, it was in His own image, to glorify Him! My friends, this is a truth that will change your life, if you can grasp it! Ask Him to help you understand even a portion of what it implies for you and your life.

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18-NIV

When we see our precious Savior face to face, our glory will finally be complete! We will see it fully revealed, which implies that much of it is hidden from us at the present moment. I imagine some of the reason for this is to protect us from the downfall our pride would cause us. Certainly God only transforms us into His likeness one step at a time for a reason, otherwise we’d all be perfect upon Salvation.

No, there is definitely glory in the process. The sanctification of our hearts brings glory, and makes us a better reflection of Him. I like how the New Living Translation puts it:

“The Lord-who is the Spirit-makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into His glorious image.” 2 Cor. 3:18

Go take a look in the mirror. You are no accident. You were made in God’s glorious image! Do you understand what this means? Are you beginning to grasp, even a little, just how much God cares about You, His creation? Have you ever heard the saying, “A man/woman after my own heart”? Well, that’s what we’re talking about here, only to a far greater level. More then we could ever begin to comprehend. And let me mention, none of this is based on, or has anything to do with your performance! None of it! (But that is a whole other issue!)

The next time you hear that voice of self-loathing, doubt, worthlessness, unbelief, or negativity which wants you to question your life, your purpose, your desires, and most of all-who God is, and how God feels about you, RESIST IT OUT LOUD! Declare to your enemy the truth you know; what God has revealed to your heart about how He cares for you, how He loves you, and what He created you for-His glory!

From God’s heart to yours:

“Child, you are My glory, I made you just for Me. I am working everything out around you to daily transform you into My glorious image and one day; yes, one day soon, you will know My glory fully in you. You will be restored, and you will be complete.”

Streams in the Desert

“Restore our fortunes, Lord,

as streams renew the desert.

Those who plant in tears

will harvest with shouts of joy.

They weep as they go to plant their seed,

but they sing as they return with the harvest.”

Psalm 126:4-6 (NLT)

This passage is a beautiful word picture of glory restored where sorrow once reigned. We are given an array of scenes to describe the spiritual restoration. Sparkling streams in a barren desert; laboring with bitter tears in contrast to harvesting with dances of pure joy; heavy grief followed by melodious singing. What a magnificent imagery!

If there is to be beautiful streams of cool flowing water, we must be given a picture of something seemingly opposing to make this stream even more glorious in appearance. What could be more opposing to a crystal clear stream of water than a dry, brown, wasteland of a desert?

Restoration involves opposition. How can we truly experience all there is to know of joy unless we have wept those bitter tears of agony? Would the singing be as sweet without the somber sorrow? Would the dancing be as jubilant without the perilous pain? Would the harvest really be as sweet without the perseverance, faith, and cries to our Father?

We are being called to a restoration of the glory we were created for. The image-bearers of our very God-made for Him, by Him. If we want to be that glorious reflecting stream of water, fully alive, flowing throughout a dry land, bringing life to all we touch, we must accept our surrounding deserts. For He made the sparkling streams and the barren deserts alike.