Greater Glory
Here are two scriptures that have been on my mind lately:
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you.” (Isaiah 60:1-2).
For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory (2 Corinthians 3:10).
It is easy to see how the darkness covers the earth. Glory takes a more discerning eye. I think that everyone can appreciate that God uses dark times to bring things into focus and that his glory shines brightest when all other lights have gone out. . . The other day I asked a bible class about whether they had seen the darkness in year 2008. Obviously, they had. Many found it easier to see the negative rather than the light. It’s certainly true for me.
Some of you have heard me talk about 2008 as the year of death. It felt like that to me in many ways. Our congregation has faced quite a bit of heartache as we have come face to face with death during the last year. And yet, glory shines out. In fact, glory reveals itself most clearly when it kisses the face of death. God’s glory has nothing to fear when it runs into the worst that this life can dish out. It is not anxious or troubled.
Glory that is found in Jesus alone remains constant—that is the glory that I hope for and long for. I want the eyes of Isaiah that see glory when thick darkness covers the earth.
And I long for the surpassing glory that Paul mentions in 2 Corinthians. The Israelities knew about God and through tabernacle and temple experiences; they had the chance to see with their own eyes the glory of God. But Paul says that Jesus’ glory is greater. The cross is greater, the resurrection is greater, the ministry of God’s Spirit is greater and it lasts.
I want the year 2009 to be a time where I rest in the greater glory. My prayer for you is that the year 2009 be a year in which you can see the glory of the Lord more fully as well.
Jason,
You are so right in how 2008 felt. In fact it has felt like this for me since 2004; and, just getting stronger as I approached and went through 2008. It seems that all I faced was turmoil and pain. Yet, through it all, I look back and see God’s work in my life. I have cried out to God to please let me have a season of rest and joy. Of a peace that only He can provide in this world today. As I entered into 2009, I have already felt this peace, seen His glorious gifts and know that He is going to shine in my life like never before. I have faith that my time of peace in living my life with my Lord is here for me to enjoy for a season without turmoil. I pray also, that it will be for all who have the same need. Thanks for your counsel and prayers last year when I needed you with Stephen and family. It was so appreciated. I enjoy reading your blog!
With His Love,
Sherry (S) Whitney
Jason,
Thank you for all
you do.I enjoy reading your blog
very much.I can relate to your thoughts on 2008,but my losses
of loved ones started in 2001 when God took my
husband HOME.Since
then my heart has
been broken in losses of many kinds. I would like
your prayers for my
family and me. I have ask for prayers of our church family so many times. I have
sent updates on my
family, until last few months.I plan
to send another one
soon with more thanks than I could
ever express in words. I always pray for HIS will to be done. No matter how His answers may hurt at
the time, He is always faithful to
walk with me and in
His timing ease the
pain…to where it
is bearable. I can
not ever remember
when He hasn’t taken care of me and each of my family in this way.
In His Love,
Myrna Isgitt