The Glory Of The Lord

What picture comes into your mind when you hear the phrase, “the glory of the Lord?” Most people see a superhuman figure sitting on a throne surrounded by bright lights.

Others might picture Jesus standing in the air in front of rays of light. I have to say, those visions could likely capture His glory.

Isaiah though also paints a picture for us of when the glory of the Lord is revealed.

Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. The Lord has spoken!   Isaiah 40:5

In Previous chapters, the prophet Isaiah spoke of Israel’s coming captivity. He prophesied welcomed words to his listeners when he began the 40^th chapter.

Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God. “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell her that her sad days are gone and her sins are pardoned. Yes, the Lord has punished her twice over for all her sins.” Isaiah 40:1-2

The word comfort means to strengthen, to encourage. It instills a sense of security. Then to give it a special emphasis, Isaiah repeated it.

God wanted His people to know that better days were coming. As the chapter continued the prophet instructed God’s people to listen.

Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, Isaiah 40:3

Along with listening, God instructed them to also take some action.

• “Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord!
• Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!
• Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills.
• Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places.  Isaiah 40:3-4

He went on to say, when you do those things, Then . . .  the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together.

Shout, For God’s Word Lasts Forever

Then Isaiah heard a voice say, “Shout!” So he asked, “What should I shout?” This was God’s response.

• “Shout that people are like the grass.
• Their beauty fades as quickly as the flowers in a field.
• The grass withers and the flowers fade beneath the breath of the Lord.
• And so it is with people. Isaiah 40:6-7

That hardly seems like something worth shouting about. I know as I am getting older, I can identify with the terms “wither” and “fade.”

In the next verse, however, even though it repeats those two words, it adds something worth shouting about.

The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8

The entire land of Israel was about to go into a long stretch of captivity. First the northern kingdom then Judah. But the words in this chapter spoke comfort to God’s people.

Because God would forgive them for their sins they could see light at the end of the tunnel. God told them to continue to shout!

• O Zion, messenger of good news, shout from the mountaintops!
• Shout it louder, O Jerusalem. Shout, and do not be afraid.
• Tell the towns of Judah, “Your God is coming!” Isaiah 40:9

Look at what he said about when the glory of the Lord appears. He will not come empty-handed. He will come with authority and power.

• Yes, the Sovereign Lord is coming in power.
• He will rule with a powerful arm.
• See, he brings his reward with him as he comes.
• He will feed his flock like a shepherd.
• He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart.
• And He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young. Isaiah 40:10-11

The Lord will Come in His Glory

This was a message God’s people needed to hear back in Isaiah’s day. But it’s a message we also need to hear because this message serves us today as well.

• Listen and make straight the path that leads to Jesus.
• Shout because your God is coming.
• He’s the gentle Shepherd who’s coming in power.
• And His name is Jesus.

Just like the Israelites needed to take action, so do we. If you haven’t already done this, you must choose to be one of God’s children.

You see, all who call upon His name will be accepted and received unto Him. So, isn’t it time for you to totally trust Him?

Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. And they will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Lord, we acknowledge that you are a God of comfort and grace. Take me to new heights as I trust you with my whole life.

Check out these related posts on the glory of the Lord.

• Open The Way And Let The King Of Glory Enter!
• All People Can Easily Experience God’s Glory
• Called By God For The Glory Of God

Read the entire chapter of Isaiah 40.

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