Scripture:
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
2 Corinthians 3:18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
Observation:
What an incredible truth that God desires for us to go from glory to glory through Jesus Christ. Glory (weight) is costly, not easily attained or handed out to just anyone. When the passage talks about going from glory to glory, I understood that to mean from pay-raise to pay-raise (hallelujah!). My finite mind would go on to think it will also trickle down to status to greater status, or good possessions to greater possessions! But that’s not what the scriptures say at all. When it says we go from glory to glory, it means to look, be, and act more like Jesus! All the money in the world couldn’t compare with that.
Application:
This is why fasting is a great discipline to practice, because the more we deny ourselves from food, entertainment, and habitual sins, we are communicating to our body, mind and spirit: He must increase, but I must decrease (John 3:30). To be more like Jesus is the most fulfilling thing we can do. It is when we are the most available to the Holy Spirit to use us in the capacity for which we were designed. To be like Jesus is to be transformed from the inside out. To be like Jesus is to decline our desires and to be fully surrendered and available to the Kingdom of heaven. To be like Jesus is to display the glory of God in our everyday life. I want God’s glory for my marriage, my family, my neighborhood and for my city. That will not happen until we deny ourselves and choose to become more like Jesus.
Prayer:
Lord, I thank you for your word, that it is alive and active and sharper than any two edge sword, knowing the thoughts of man (Hebrews 4:12). Lord, I invite You to search me and know me for the areas in my life that do not display Jesus. Change my appetite from the fading things of this world to the unshakable and eternal glory in Your Kingdom. Help me be more like Jesus and to surrender every area of my life to You. I cannot do it in my own strength. Thank You for Your love and kindness that leads me to repentance, in Jesus name, amen.
Worship: