The Glory of God

God’s ultimate purpose is to fill the earth with His glory through Christ’s redemptive work, advanced by His redeemed people.

But truly, as I live . . . all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord. Numbers 14:21

It was a long night for Moses. The ten spies had returned with an evil report of fortified cities and towering giants. Fear raced from tent to tent. Women wept for their children. Men whispered of turning back. The rumble of complaint and mutiny filled the air.

Then the Lord spoke to Moses. “How long will these people treat me with contempt? Will they never believe me, even after all the miraculous signs I have done among them? I will disown and destroy them.”

“Pardon the iniquity of this people,” Moses pleaded, “according to the greatness of your steadfast love.”

The Lord answered, “I have forgiven them as you asked.”

Yet even amid Israel’s unfaithfulness, God declared the promise that captures his great redemptive mission: “All the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord.”

This is the heart of the biblical story, the redemptive mission that God has for His creation. Despite the evil and rebellion of darkened humanity, God will fill this earth with His glory. From the wreckage of a fallen world and a lost people, God will restore humanity and the cosmos to the beauty of His original purpose. “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea” (Habakkuk 2:14).

God’s glory is the brilliance of His triune nature—His power, beauty, and holiness that exists in the relationship between the divine persons of the Trinity. This glory shines in the stars, in the earth, in all He has made. To live for His glory is our “chief end.”

From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture proclaims this glory. We see it in the first words of creation when God speaks the universe into being. We hear it in the worship of heaven, where voices cry, “Worthy are you to receive glory” (Revelation 4:11). Paul reminds us that “everything . . . is intended for his glory” (Romans 11:36). And even the heavens declare it (Psalm 19:1), and all creation joins the chorus.

But the highest expression of God’s glory is His Son Jesus—the visible manifestation of God and the radiance of His glory (Hebrews 1:3). When Jesus saves sinners, He magnifies God’s glory by demonstrating His grace, truth, love, and justice. We experience this salvation and are given a divine mandate: to participate in God’s mission to fill the earth with His glory.

As God invites us into His Great Commission, we can trust that His promise to Moses will be fulfilled. His plan is to share His glory with His covenant people. This “hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27) is the heartbeat of our mission—the motivation behind everything we do. When we engage in mission, we honor God and reflect His glory.

Are you ready to glorify God by engaging in His mission?

Reflection

How does the knowledge you are called to share in God’s glory influence how you live, serve, and engage in mission?

Application

Identify one area of your life (work, family, ministry, relationships) where you can live more intentionally for God’s glory and commit to honor Him this week.

Pray

O God of glory, your brilliance fills the heavens and the earth. Your promise remains unshakeable: you will fill the whole earth with your glory. You shine forth in creation, in salvation, and in the radiance of your Son.

May our lives reflect your glory in all we do. Make us bearers of your light, proclaiming your truth until the world is filled with your knowledge. Strengthen us for the mission you have set before us, that we may honor you and make your name known among the nations.

For yours is the glory, now and forever. Amen.