The Glory Cost
We hear a lot about the glory of the Lord, the glory of Yahweh, or maybe you say most often the glory of God. Do we actually know what glory means? In years past I just thought it was a way of saying His presence was available. The Hebrew word for glory is kavod, meaning heavy or weighty. In scripture kavod is used to describe Yahweh’s worth, value, and majesty. In a sense, Yahweh’s glory is the magnificence, worth, loveliness, and grandeur of his many perfections. It also communicates His special presence, as in the cloud by day and the pillar of fire at night. We often cry out for His glory to fall on us, as in, we want to experience His presence in our lives. In His care for us He will only give us what we can handle. In John 16:12, Jesus says, “There is so much more I would like to say to you, but it’s more than you can grasp at this moment.”
What is Jesus saying? We can’t get the glory of Yahweh on discount. It cost to carry the glory of Yahweh. This glory is to be honored, valued, and longed for. When we honor or value someone, we will go the extra mile to do things for them or show our love.
Pastor Tim made a statement on Sunday that is so true. “The gift of salvation is free, but it will cost you everything.” We cannot earn our salvation. Jesus paid for this by way of the cross, but our part in displaying His gift on earth will cost us everything in how we think, talk, love, walk and it will require a complete surrender to Him.
“So listen, my sons and daughters, to everything I tell you, for nothing will bring you more joy than following my ways. Listen to my counsel, for my instruction will enlighten you. You’ll be wise not to ignore it. If you wait at wisdom’s doorway, longing to hear a word for every day, joy will break forth within you as you listen for what I’ll say. For the fountain of life pours into you every time that you find me, and this is the secret of growing in the delight and the favor of the Lord.” Proverbs 8:32
To experience more and more of the glory of Yahweh in our lives, it will require us to do things differently than before. In this proverb, it gives us instructions for every day. Wait at the door of wisdom daily, longing to hear His voice concerning the day. When we do our part by seeking Him more consistently, He promises the fountain of life will pour into us and we will grow in the delight and favor of the Lord. I believe in this we will grow in our ability to carry more of His glory.
Take some time as you finish reading this and sit at the door of wisdom listening for His counsel today. Allow His presence to fill you with joy as you delight yourself in Him and He pours out delight over you.
