Hello, my friend. There are several words in the Scriptures that are in themselves not self-explanatory, but which have assumed significance of great importance. The word “church”, for example, is a rather strange-sounding word. We never use it in any context other than religiously. The word “Lord” is also a rather strange word, because it also is only used in our relationship with God. We are accustomed to the words, but a stranger would never know what they meant. Sometimes words gather meanings of their own. As you may know, I have spent a lot of time in Israel. And one would never dare use the word “Christian” among worshippers because of the bad connotations associated with it. One is always called a ‘believer’. And they never use the word ‘church’ for the same reason. There, they use the literal meaning of the word, “fellowship”, or “kehila.”
So in our PSALM 29 for today we find a word which may have various meanings. It is the word “glory”. We may say we saw an evening twilight which was ‘glorious.’ We may listen to a great symphony playing glorious music. We use the word in various ways, but in Scripture the word is almost exclusively used with reference to God. I could give you many illustrations: John 1:13, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Romans 3:12, “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”. Check this out in your concordance. It makes a thrilling study.
David knew this well in this Psalm 29. This is a powerful anthem of praise to God, as he shouts, “Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness. The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders…” And he continues to seek to give due praise to the Lord, as in vs. 9, “And in His temple all cry, “Glory”. This glory is the outshining of all the wonders of who God is. And I am stunned as I read in 2 Cor.3:18, “We who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” What a marvelous truth. As you and I enjoy God in His Word and in prayer, as we serve Him in various ways, working with Him to do His will, we are being changed somehow into ever-increasing glory. His presence shines through us, silently, wordlessly, amazingly. What a privilege to join David in his joy.
“Oh, thank you, Lord, for the cleansing and blessing these thoughts bring us. To be reflectors of your glory, in a world of sordidness and darkness, is a marvelous privilege. Help us to keep the mirror clean, Lord, to keep our lives in focus, so we can keep on shining for you. Bless my friend, Lord, who has joined along, in encouragement and prayer. We also pray earnestly for those in continual need. We long to help them in their difficulties and we pray that they may continue to know of your presence. Thank you, Lord.”
And thank you, my friend, for being along. Such a privilege to worship together. Cheerio!
Village Schools of the Bible 