The Glory- Part 1

Today and tomorrow we’re going to talk about the glory of God.

Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys: But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the Lord was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys. Exodus 40:34-38 (KJV)

In this passage, the word glory is the Hebrew word kabod, which means honor, glory, a great quantity, multitude, wealth, and splendor. It refers to the great physical weight or quantity of a thing. It points to presence and position. God’s glory is weighty, great in quantity, full of splendor.

The glory of God is God’s visible presence among His people. It is tangible. Rabbis call it the shekinah glory, which is another Hebrew word meaning the dwelling of God. God literally dwells in glory. Wherever He is, glory is there.

When God is revealed, He manifests His presence and glory among His people. We may experience God’s presence anywhere for God is everywhere. When we see or feel His presence, we call it the manifest presence of God. Like I said before- it is tangible- it can be felt and experienced. It is the goodness of God.

Throughout Old Testament Scripture, we see God’s presence manifested at various times. Ultimately, Jesus came to manifest and reveal the Father to the world. In Christ, God is seen. One day, we will dwell with God forever, beholding Him and His glory face to face. What a glorious day that will be!