Filled With Glory!

“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” Hab 2:14

God’s glory is magnificent, radiant, and breathtaking! It is the dazzling display of His holiness—the infinite beauty, worth, and perfection of His character—shining through creation, redemption, and His people. The entire universe was made to proclaim this glory, and as believers, we are called to reflect it, delight in it, and proclaim it until the whole earth is filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, just as Habakkuk declares.

From the opening pages of the scripture to the final words of Revelation, God’s glory is central, pervasive, and foundational. The Bible reminds us that God is zealous for His glory—He does not share it with another! Everything God does, including salvation, aims at the vindication and exaltation of His name. He declared to Isreal:

“I, the Lord, have called You in righteousness,
And will hold Your hand;
I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people,
As a light to the Gentiles, To open blind eyes,
To bring out prisoners from the prison,
Those who sit in darkness from the prison house.

I am the Lord, that is My name;
And My glory I will not give to another,
Nor My praise to carved images.

Behold, the former things have come to pass,
And new things I declare;
Before they spring forth I tell you of them.” Isa 42:6-9

Now, here’s the incredible truth: we are invited into this grand purpose. Jesus calls us to live in such a way that our lives become shining beacons, reflecting God’s brilliance through every thought, feeling, and action. This is what Jesus says in Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” This is not a mere suggestion—it is the very reason we exist! Our lives, along with all creation, have one ultimate purpose: to magnify the unmatched glory of God.

But what exactly is God’s glory? Words can only scratch the surface. It’s like trying to describe the warmth of the sun or the grandeur of a sunset—it’s best seen, felt, and experienced! God’s glory is best revealed through His Word and the works of His hands. Jonah was invited to experience aspects of God’s character—His love and justice—through the plant that gave him shade and the worm that took it away. At its core, God’s glory is the visible radiance of His holiness—the infinite beauty of His manifold perfections fully on display. Isaiah 6:3 captures this awe-inspiring truth as the seraphim cry out, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” Holiness is God’s essence—His absolute purity, perfection, and worth—while glory is that holiness made visible for all to witness and worship.

Everything in creation testifies to God’s glory. The scripture declares, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). Nature does not speak of itself but points to its creator. The intricate design of the world reveals God’s eternal power and divine nature (Romans 1:20). All of history unfolds according to God’s sovereign plan, moving toward the ultimate purpose of His glory being known and worshipped across the earth. And here is the astounding truth: we, human beings, are created in His image to reflect His glory (Genesis 1:27; Isaiah 43:7). Even in our weakness, His power is made perfect. As Paul wrote, “We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). Our lives, when surrendered to God, become instruments through which His glory is displayed. Just as the moon reflects the light of the sun, we are called to reflect the light of Christ in this dark world.

The pinnacle of God’s glory is revealed in the redemption accomplished through Jesus Christ. The cross is the supreme display of God’s holiness, justice, mercy, and love. In Christ, we behold the fullness of God’s character (John 1:14). Salvation is not about human achievement; it is entirely the work of God, designed to magnify His grace and glorify His name (Ephesians 2:8-9). Yet, many remain blind to this glory. The scripture states, “The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ” 2 Corinthians 4:4. Therefore, we must pray fervently for spiritual eyes to see and hearts to savour God’s glory. True joy, deep purpose, and eternal satisfaction are found in knowing, beholding, and worshipping Him. As Paul reminds us, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12). The day is coming when we, clothed in glorified bodies, will see the Lord in all His splendour. On that day, even the moon and sun will pale in comparison to the brightness of the Lamb’s glory (Revelation 21:23). His holiness will judge the world, and His consuming fire will purify all creation (Hebrews 12:29).

So, how should we respond? By living lives wholly devoted to His glory! Let every word, thought, and deed direct attention to Him. Our successes and trials alike should become platforms to exalt His name. Do not be deceived by the fleeting glories of this world, which wither like grass and fade away. To ignore God’s glory is to embrace emptiness and eternal loss. To embrace His glory is to find true fulfilment, peace, and everlasting joy. This is the purpose for which we were created—to be captivated by His holiness, transformed by His grace, and commissioned to proclaim His glory among the nations.

God’s glory is not just a theological concept—it is the heartbeat of the universe and the ultimate purpose of our lives. Let us live with passionate zeal, reflect His radiance boldly, and rejoice in His majesty fully until the day when “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea”