Understanding God’s Glory in Everyday Language
When people talk about the “glory of God,” they’re describing something truly remarkable—the visible and overwhelming display of who God is. In simple terms, God’s glory means seeing His power, goodness, and beauty in ways we can recognize, whether in nature, history, or our own lives. It’s the breathtaking “wow factor” of God that inspires respect, wonder, and worship.
What Is God’s Glory?
God’s glory is like the outward shine of all His best qualities—His love, power, holiness, beauty, and kindness. It’s not about the kind of beauty we see in art or nature, but a spiritual beauty that shows how good and amazing God is at His core. Think of it as God’s “specialness” made visible.
Manifestation of Divine Attributes
Whenever we see something awesome or inspiring in the world—like the vastness of the night sky, acts of incredible kindness, or miracles—we’re catching a glimpse of God’s glory. These moments are ways God’s inner character gets shown on the outside.
God’s Presence: More Than Just a Feeling
The Hebrew word for glory is kavod, which means “heavy” or “weighty.” This points to God’s presence being deep and substantial, not just a fleeting feeling. Sometimes, in the stories of the Bible, God’s glory showed up as dazzling clouds, fire, or even trembling mountains. These sights made people realize how close and real God was to them.
Beyond Human Understanding
God’s glory is so huge and grand that no one can fully grasp it. It’s bigger and better than anything we could imagine or see on earth. It’s no wonder that, when people in the Bible saw even a hint of God’s full glory, they were overwhelmed!
All About Jesus
For Christians, the clearest picture of God’s glory is found in Jesus. The Bible describes Jesus as shining with God’s glory and showing exactly what God is like, but in a way that people could relate to and understand.
How Is God’s Glory Revealed?
In Creation
Look at the stars, the mountains, the oceans, or even a sunrise—these are all reflections of God’s glory. Nature itself “speaks” about God, showing His creativity, power, and care for the world.
Through Jesus Christ
When Jesus came to earth, He showed God’s glory in everything He said and did: through His kindness, miracles, and teachings. People could finally see what God was really like.
In Our Lives
The Bible teaches that people can also show God’s glory. When we do good things, help others, and love well, it’s like turning on a light that lets God’s glory shine for everyone to see.
How Should We Respond?
Worship and Praise
When we notice God’s glory—whether in nature, through Jesus, or in daily life—a natural response is to worship. That means showing respect, singing, praying, or just being amazed by God’s greatness.
Glorifying God
To glorify God simply means to honor Him in how we think, feel, and act. It’s about putting God first and letting our lives show how good He is.
Seeking God’s Presence
God’s glory isn’t far away or unreachable. The Bible encourages us to look for and experience more of God’s glory in our lives, through faith, prayer, and everyday moments.
Glory That Never Fades
The Bible says that while human glory—like fame or honor—comes and goes, God’s glory lasts forever. Even famous or powerful people eventually fade away, but God’s greatness never ends.
Moses and God’s Glory
In one famous Bible story, Moses asked to see God’s glory. God let Moses catch a glimpse, but protected him because the full glory was too intense to handle. This shows how awe-inspiring and powerful God’s presence really is.
Signs and Wonders
In the Bible, God’s glory sometimes showed up dramatically—with fire, clouds, and earthquakes—especially in moments like giving the law to Moses or when prophets had visions. These scenes were reminders that God is both powerful and close.
Jesus: The Radiance of God’s Glory
In the New Testament, Jesus is described as the visible “radiance” of God’s glory. His miracles, love, and teachings revealed God in a way people could interact with. When Jesus promises to return “with great glory,” it means the world will see the full display of God’s greatness.
Glory in Heaven
Heaven is sometimes called “glory” itself. Christians believe that after death, being in God’s presence means being surrounded by His glory forever—no more confusion or distance, but clear, close connection.
Only God Deserves Glory
God doesn’t share His glory with anything or anyone else. The Bible warns about trading God’s glory for less important things, like idols or money. True glory belongs only to God, because only He is perfect and eternal.
Final Thoughts
To sum it up: The glory of God is the amazing, visible expression of who God is. We see it in nature, in Jesus, and in acts of love and kindness. It’s bigger and better than anything earthly and never fades. Our best response is to celebrate it, honor God, and let His glory shine through us in daily life.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 