What does "the glory of the LORD will be revealed" mean for believers today? The Promise in Isaiah 40:5 “And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all flesh will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” Defining “the Glory of the LORD” • The visible, weighty manifestation of God’s holiness, power, and beauty • Often displayed as radiant light or overwhelming presence (Exodus 24:16-17; Ezekiel 1:28) • Never hidden for its own sake—always revealed so people will know, worship, and obey Him The Glory Already Revealed in Christ • Incarnation: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen His glory…” (John 1:14) • Perfect representation: “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory…” (Hebrews 1:3) • Gospel light: “God…has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6) Result for believers now: – We don’t wait for a first glimpse; we look back to a glory already displayed at Bethlehem, Calvary, and the empty tomb. – Faith rests on a revealed, historical Savior, not an abstract idea. The Glory Still to Come • Universal unveiling: “When He comes to be glorified in His saints and marveled at among all who have believed.” (2 Thessalonians 1:10) • Cosmic filling: “The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.” (Habakkuk 2:14) • Eternal dwelling: “The city has no need of sun or moon…for the glory of God gives it light.” (Revelation 21:23) Implication: the promise of Isaiah 40:5 will reach complete fulfillment at Christ’s return and in the new heaven and earth. Why This Matters for Us Today • Assurance: God’s spoken word guarantees what we hope for; our future is as certain as His character. • Perspective: Present trials are temporary shadows compared to the coming radiance (Romans 8:18). • Identity: We are “vessels of mercy…prepared beforehand for glory.” (Romans 9:23) • Mission: Because “all flesh will see,” the church proclaims Christ so more eyes are opened before that day (Matthew 24:14). • Transformation: “We all, with unveiled faces, behold as in a mirror the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image.” (2 Corinthians 3:18) Responding to the Promise • Fix your hope on Christ’s return; let future glory shape present choices (1 Peter 1:13). • Pursue holiness; sin dulls our vision of His beauty (Hebrews 12:14). • Worship with confidence; God delights to reveal Himself to His people (Psalm 27:4). • Speak the gospel; invite others to share in the coming worldwide revelation (2 Corinthians 5:20). |
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