SATURDAY June 25, 2022

God’s Glory

“ ‘Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? In comparison with it, is this not in your eyes as nothing?’ ”
Haggai 2:3

Before moving forward in Haggai 2, I would like us to take another look at verse 3. Even though 50,000 Jews returned to Jerusalem, they had no heart to rebuild the Temple or to see God’s glory. God knew the older Jews had seen the beauty of the Temple before its destruction. They had witnessed the glory of God. They wept when they saw it lie in ruins. Visibly it was not the same––there was no longer any glory.

God stirred up the leaders’ and peoples’ hearts to rebuild the Temple so they would know His glory. Consider this prophecy given by Haggai in reference to the Temple in the Kingdom Age. It will surpass all others built: “ ‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former, ... And in this place I will give peace,’ says the LORD of hosts’ ” (Haggai 2:9).

During the Jesus Movement, I remember parking by the 405 Freeway and seeing the big tent located on the open bean fields. As soon as got out of the car and heard the worship, I felt the presence of God, and I continued to feel His presence while walking to the house of the Lord. The experience was not emotionalism. God’s glory and power were felt all over the country. It was a genuine revival––a real touch from God in the hearts of the people who began to share their faith with others.

Have you witnessed the glory of God in what He has accomplished in your life? In Revelations 4:11, we are all reminded of the importance of giving God the glory: “You are worthy, O LORD, to receive glory and honor and power; for you created all things, and by your will they exist and were created.” When was the last time you stopped to give God all the glory and honor?

We do not segment our lives, giving some time to God, some to our business or schooling, while keeping parts to ourselves. The idea is to live all of our lives in the presence of God, under the authority of God, and for the honor and glory of God. That is what the Christian life is all about.
~R.C. Sproul~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!