Have you ever wondered why you’re here or why so many disasters are happening around the world? Why is there sadness or anger, sickness, and pain? You might not like this answer, but it is all for His glory. That you might seek after him and want to discover grace and knowledge of the Holy One, the Creator of the universe.
Through Christ, God created everything in the heavenly realm and on earth, the things we see and the things we don’t. As he tells us in Psalm 24:7-10 to lift up our heads, O gates, be lifted up ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. You might ask, who is this King of glory? Well, let me tell you. He is the Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Who is He? The Lord of hosts (angel armies), He is the king of glory, worthy of our attention, time, thoughts and deeds.
No matter what you’re going through, you can go to the Bible and see people like Moses being trapped between a rock and a hard place. His words from Exodus 14:13 — “Do not be afraid” — will make you stand and see the salvation of the Lord. Why was Pharaoh chasing him? So that the Egyptians (with any doubt) would know that he is the Lord and he was glorified through Pharaoh and his chariots.
Moses made it because he trusted the Holy One. This is what it’s about, so that the nations will fear the name of the Lord and all the kings of the earth will recognize His glory. He wants us to “know” Him. There will come a time of famine, not of food, but of His word. A hunger will come for hearing the word of the Lord. Let us come before his throne of mercy now to receive grace in our time of need. More than ever we need to shift our focus from his love and peace and know that his judgment is coming. He is a just God and if we’ll ask, He’ll make His glory known.
Can you imagine what the Israelites saw when the whole community looked out toward the wilderness and could see the awesome glory of the Lord in the cloud? That’s a moment to take your shoes off. God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him. So, prepare your minds for action, be completely sober, steadfast, self-disciplined and fix your hope fully on the grace that is coming to you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Abba, Father,
We know you do these things to make the riches of your glory shine even brighter on those to whom you show mercy, who were prepared in advance for glory. What privileges we have as children of God growing up into your likeness. As the heavens declare your righteousness, let all the people see your glory and brilliance. Our sicknesses and even death are not the end. On the contrary, it is for the glory and honor of God so that the Son of God may be glorified by it. These troubles give us a reason to look up and trust you with the outcome. We know there’s a new country which gives us hope and causes us to give thanks to you with all our heart, in the company of the upright and in the congregation for from you all things originate. Through you all things live and exist. And to you are all things directed. To you, our Holy God, be glory and honor forever. Amen.
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