Hello Church Devotion Aug 8, 2013

G is for Glory

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests’.” Luke 2:13-14

To many of us glory is reaching the top of the podium to be crowned champion. It is the recognition that comes with being labeled the very best in a specific sport, event, or competition. Our worldly nature and cultural norms would have us strive for success in order to ascertain this aforementioned glory. After all, “we are only as good as our last performance” is a common adage that is thrown around during backyard sports contests. So with that motto at hand we continually try to reach victory for the sake of glory with every possible opportunity. We can turn even the most innocent of circumstances into a chance to gain ground in the search for glory. When/if we finally reached the pinnacle of a specific career, contest, or experience we knew for sure that we would have obtained glory through our success. This type of glory is fleeting, as we will be showered with praise for a moment only to be forgotten at the dawn of a new day or as a new champion is crowned.

Glory begins to lose its luster as we realize that the praise we have so longed for is never as bright and shining as in the moment it was seemingly obtained. The worldly glory we always seem to be chasing never seems to remain. It is in God’s word that we find a different glory, a glory that never fades and yet one that we do not earn on our own. Romans 8:16-17 states, “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.”

Glory does not come from worldly triumph. It does not come from conquering in battle or winning a championship. Glory is from God. Christ demonstrates this in Philippians 2:6-11, “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Through Christ we have been called out of our darkness to be clothed in his righteousness. “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:5-7).” We become heirs, not because of our works or how much success we have but by the grace of God that claims us as his children through faith in Christ.

So, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2).” God’s glory is always deserved and never diminished as he is the creator and sustainer, the author and perfector of life. To God be all the Glory forever and ever.

Further Thoughts:

1. In what things are you seeking glory today?

2. How has your search for glory impacted your relationship with God? Or with others?

3. If glory is from God, and we are called to be children of God, then how does your life reflect the glory of God?

Prayer: Lord God, I just come to you this day thankful for all that you do for us. Lord you teach us to live selflessly and to love unconditionally and in that I have failed. Please forgive me for letting my search of glory cause me to miss opportunities to share your love with others. Lord, please help me to be reminded each day of your glory and that you have called me out of my brokenness to be clothed with you in your righteousness. Thank you for your forgiveness and mercy for each day. Let all glory be given to you. Amen.