Your glory is higher than the heavens. Psalm 8:1b
I note the word ‘glory’ is of uncertain origin. This is fitting for something that lies beyond our reach and comprehension as the heavens themselves. Glory indicates honour, splendour and fame. All of which are due to God. Yet, we discover God is never one to pursue self promotion. God’s promises are revealed through the pages of Scripture, and ultimately in Jesus. The prophet Isaiah describes Jesus: ‘There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected – a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way’.* Isaiah 53:2-3, NLT
So glory appears to be turned on its head, reminding us that glory is encountered and experienced even in the most challenging circumstances. It’s humbling to read the testimony of the persecuted. Many fail to see God’s promise realised. Yet, like Isaiah, they see enough to maintain faith with little or no evidence to support their hypothesis.
It is this hypothesis, ‘God with us, the hope of glory’, that alone sustains our walk of faith. We must look beyond the natural realm and the wisdom of logic and reason if we are to embrace God’s promise. At times I’m spiritually nauseous seeking to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus whilst all around me the storms of life threaten to overwhelm me.
Yet, I am not alone. I have as my companions those who have preceded me, the company of saints, as well as the loving, praying community of which I’m a member. We should continue to encourage a renewal of practical faith and practice throughout the world. There is the essential need to offer the encouragement of your prayer to others on this rocky road in the footsteps of Jesus.
Something to Consider: Can you discern Jesus walking towards you within the storm of your life?
An Action to Take: Join us in our commitment to world renewal through prayer, biblical literacy and learning, edwj.org/ma21-16mar
A Prayer to Make: ‘Lord, when the road is rough and steep may I fix my eyes upon Jesus who alone has has power to keep me secure, a faithful friend upon whom I can depend.’
Photo by Grant Ritchie on Unsplash
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