The Glory of the Lord

By J.A. Medders

My daughter is addicted to Beanie Boos—stuffed animals with big eyes and cute names. They are the perfect portable size for her. Whenever my wife or I surprise her with a new Beanie Boo, she always shouts, jumps like an Olympian, and hugs us as tight as a straight-jacket.

As happy as those little stuffed animals make her, I’ve never seen her happier than when she saw Cinderella’s castle on our first trip to Disney World. We entered the park, turned the corner, and she saw it. A double-wide smile landed on her face. Her eyes watered. She couldn’t believe she was seeing Cinderella’s castle for real. She was beaming. Shining.

Can you imagine what it will be like when you will see the Lord in all His glory? Can you picture the explosion of glory when all of God’s people—folks from every time period and every race—will be gathered around Him, united to Him, living together with Him forever? Sin will be gone. Cancer will be extinct.

Isaiah says when this happens, you will shine: “Then you will see and be radiant, and your heart will tremble and rejoice” (Isaiah 60:5). When you see Jesus, the high-beams of glory will be on—and they will never turn off, fade, or fizzle. Being united to God is everlasting joy in everlasting glory.

Do you look forward to this day? Do you long to sit in the rays of the Light of the World? You can abide with Him today. If you know Jesus—the One who died in your place for your sin and rose from the dead for you—right now, you have eternal life. “This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and the one you have sent Jesus Christ” (John 17:3).

Nothing compares to the glory of God. The glories and gifts of this fading earth are like dollar store bulbs compared to the mega-watt glory of Christ. Look right at it. Stare at it. Let your eyes adjust. This light is good for your eyes.

Written by J.A. Medders