How can we honor God with "the glory and honor of the nations"? The Final Picture: Revelation 21 : 26 “And they will bring the glory and honor of the nations into it.” What Is “the Glory and Honor of the Nations”? • The finest products of human creativity, culture, and industry—purged of sin and offered to the King. • Echoes Isaiah 60:3 & 11, where nations stream to Zion with their treasures. • Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof”—all good gifts already belong to Him. • Genesis 1:28 gives the mandate to cultivate the earth; Revelation 21 shows the redeemed harvest of that mandate. Why Does This Matter Now? • God’s plan is not to discard creation but to refine it (Romans 8:19-21). • Our present work can be woven into eternal glory when done for Christ (1 Corinthians 15:58). • Colossians 3:23-24 calls every task “service to the Lord Christ.” Practical Ways to Honor God with the Nations’ Glory • Celebrate God-designed diversity – Welcome languages, art forms, and cultural expressions that exalt Christ (Revelation 7:9). • Redeem culture, don’t abandon it – Shine light in media, education, politics, and science (Matthew 5:14-16). • Pursue craftsmanship and excellence – Offer quality that reflects God’s perfection (Exodus 31:3-5; 1 Corinthians 10:31). • Steward resources for kingdom advance – Invest money, time, and skills in gospel work and mercy (2 Corinthians 9:12-13). • Support global missions – Partner so every nation can bring its glory to the Lamb (Matthew 28:19-20). • Cultivate justice and compassion – Uphold righteousness that mirrors God’s throne (Micah 6:8; Amos 5:24). Guarding Against Counterfeit Glory • Revelation 21:27 warns that nothing unclean enters the city—so: – Reject pride: give credit to the Giver (James 1:17). – Renounce idolatry: refuse to let culture replace Christ (1 John 5:21). – Maintain holiness: keep motives pure (Psalm 115:1). A Living Anticipation • Every song composed, tool invented, orphan sheltered, and field cultivated for Jesus foreshadows the day when “the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into” the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:24). • Romans 11:36 sums it up: “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.” |
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