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Glory

Mart De Haan Posted by Mart DeHaan
August 24th, 2016
37 Comments » 

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There are different kinds of glory.

As the Olympic games of Rio played out, many of us saw glory in the glowing eyes of those who won the honor of standing on a podium, with a gold medal around their neck, and their national anthem playing in the background.

Jesus reflected a different glory when he was lifted up on a cross to say “Father, “Forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing.”

In that moment, the one who wanted our first parents to think that our God is not as good, or as honorable, or as trustworthy as they thought—was defeated.

In that moment, the glory of the goodness of God… was made known for all the world to see. As the Father loves the Son… so the Father loves us.


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37 Responses to “Glory”

  1. bubbles says:
    August 24, 2016 at 5:45 am

    Good morning, Mart. Thank you for this beautiful reminder.

  2. jeff1 says:
    August 24, 2016 at 6:51 am

    It is a miracle and the truth of the Gospel. It is so simple and yet in our finite minds and in our lives we complicate it.

    In this life there is consequences for my sins/bad choices but the ‘PENALTY’ would be separation from God for eternity but ‘CHRIST’ paid that penalty and it is a ‘GIFT’ from God should any man boast.

    In my own heart I knew I had wandered from God’s discipline and the struggle was painful because I argued that I had good reasons to hate my enemies.

    I am thankful today that God does not give up on me and I believe that in God’s time I will be able to love my enemies because it is what ‘CHRIST’ has done for me and I need constantly reminding myself of this ‘FACT’.

    It matters to God that I make this choice because to say I am His follower and not make it; is not loving His son, myself or others and it is ‘LOVE’ that as Paul discovered releases us from the grip of our adversary and ultimately gives us the freedom that ‘CHRIST’ won for us.

    What a friend we have in Jesus
    All our sins and griefs to bear
    And what a privilege to carry
    Everything to God in prayer

    Oh, what peace we often forfeit
    Oh, what needless pain we bear
    All because we do not carry
    Everything to God in prayer

    Have we trials and temptation’s?
    Is their trouble anywhere?
    We should never be discouraged
    Take it to the Lord in prayer

    Can we find a friend so faithful
    Who will all our sorrows share?
    Jesus knows our every weakness
    Take it to the Lord in prayer

  3. remarutho says:
    August 24, 2016 at 7:48 am

    Good Morning Mart & Friends —

    Mart, you wrote about Jesus’ sacrifice for us:

    “In that moment, the glory of the goodness of God… was made known for all the world to see. As the Father loves the Son… so the Father loves us.”

    In younger days, I perceived much less of the glory and goodness of God — even though He was very near at all times. It is Jesus who stepped into this world of flesh and time and suffering to make God’s glory known.

    The following came up in my reading this morning:

    “Listen to me, descendants of Jacob,
    all you who remain in Israel.
    I have cared for you since you were born.
    Yes, I carried you before you were born.
    I will be your God throughout your lifetime—
    until your hair is white with age.
    I made you, and I will care for you.
    I will carry you along and save you.”

    What a grand thing it is to wake up to God’s purely good and glorious ways! Even on the ones who seek only their own glory and praise, God has bestowed His very best — His only Son — to make whoever believes in Him an heir of His kingdom — born into His family — cleansed and accepted forever.

    This is glorious Good News!

    Blessings,
    Maru

    17C and clear here. Forecast to get to 32C — hot for us.

    PS Sorry I remembered the wrong examination, Pooh. However, a cad is a cad whatever the plaque on the door says! Yes, I pray for my Director. She is a child of God and heir of His kingdom. The Lord has me right where He wants me to be. :o)

  4. poohpity says:
    August 24, 2016 at 8:55 am

    Maru hope that brought a smile to your face. ;) It is a privilege to suffer in some of the ways Christ suffered by the acts of others it sure does help us with understanding.

    Our reaction to others and to the one who was defeated by the Cross still brings Glory to the Father. As many of the athletes did in the games as a witness to Who they believed in.

  5. joycemb says:
    August 24, 2016 at 9:32 am

    Jesus reflected a different glory when he was lifted up on a cross to say “Father, “Forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing.”

    Mart the glory produced by the suffering Saint is like none other. As it always points to Jesus and away from ourselves. Some can endure more suffering than others, but that’s not even the point as that makes US some kind of hero. We give it all to Jesus as He gave all for us.

    Peace and love to all,
    Joyce

  6. jeff1 says:
    August 25, 2016 at 3:34 am

    As you say, Joyce, some can endure more suffering than others. I believe God chooses accordingly whom is His warriors and whom is His peacemakers by our strengths and weaknesses.

    If I look at my own children they are very different characters and are suited to different roles in life.

    God may also want us to experience different roles in life to learn us lessons.

    I can trust that whatever God brings is for my own good and it is I who misinterpret His message and cause my own difficulties.

    If I am trusting God there will be no misunderstanding of His message. This is what my father taught me because my father understood God’s messages accurately.

    My father’s walk with God was simultaneously while I have a tendency to wander i.e. running ahead or getting behind.

    This is what causes a lot of my distress and I have to take refuge in Christ.

    It is us who produce our own heroes, not God, what matters to God is that a Saint walks simultaneously with Him as it is then that God’s will is being accomplished.

    I am glad that God has made a way out for me and rest in Christ but if there where more Saints like my father and less like myself this world would be a far better place.

  7. jeff1 says:
    August 25, 2016 at 5:20 am

    Thinking that it is Jesus that suffered for us while we suffer for the sake of the truth of the gospel.

    This world knows religions and I myself belong to a religion.

    The gospel is far from any religion and it is those that seek the truth of it that find it.

    Religious leaders today are just as much a problem to Jesus today as they where in biblical days showing that the apple does not fall far from the tree.

    This is a dedication from Helen Steiner Rice reminding me that even my thoughts are not my own.

    What a gift this lady had with words.

    Dedicated to Responsive Hearts
    wherever they may be,
    For the love and inspiration
    they keep giving generously….
    For the things that I have written
    do not belong to me,
    They reflect the many people
    who have quite unconsciously
    Inspired my life and writings
    in a myriad of ways
    And encouraged all my efforts
    with their warm and generous praise…
    So each book is a tribute
    for little daily graces
    They have come to me across the world
    from little-dreamed of places.

  8. SFDBWV says:
    August 25, 2016 at 5:29 am

    Yes, as Mart has explained, “glory” has many definitions and many faces.

    I read and listen to many apologists concerning our faith and while I can say I am pleased with some and displeased with others I almost always can glean something from them all.

    Paul preached that the cross is the foundation of our faith, that upon that tree His sacrifice shown how far He was willing to go for His creation and that by His resurrection the punishment of the original sin was not only paid by Him but overcome by Him.

    So by and through Him we are all saved and share in His resurrection.

    Indeed this kind of “glory” is quite different than the type of glory bestowed upon sports hero’s.

    One of the people I mentioned above, whom I have read from or heard once defined the “glory” of God as being more of a responsibility. That His glory is all of *us* and to explain it he brought to mind Jesus being quoted in Mark 13:26 KJV “And then they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and “glory”. Revelation 1:7 KJV states, “Behold, He cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also which pierced Him: and all kindred’s of the earth shall wail because of Him.

    Paying particular attention to Mark 13:27 KJV whereas Jesus hints of the *rapture*, “And then shall He send His angels, and shall gather together His elect from the four winds; from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.

    Spend some time in the concordance and learn how the “glory” of God is expressed, you will have some fun learning that with great glory comes a heavy responsibility.

    60 degrees with a mixture of clouds and sky.

    Steve

  9. street says:
    August 25, 2016 at 7:52 pm

    steve some thoughts come to mind about what you wrote. for God to make sinners the righteousness of God is similar to this glory.

    was also thinking of a wine video i saw about ordering wine on facebook. the patron asked if it was red? and the serve said yes, then asked if it was cheap? the server said yes. then the patron said yes.
    when looking for glory and honor the only question that needs to be asked to see if you want it is to ask, will it fade?

  10. SFDBWV says:
    August 26, 2016 at 4:55 am

    Good morning street and all others as well. I agree street that Mart’s subject is so basic it is difficult to expand from, though your reflection of the difference between the real deal and fleeting glory is well noted.

    It is so impossible to compare earthly glory with the Glory of God that trying to do so just sounds rather lame. However when we begin to explore God or attempt to see purpose or motive behind His actions we are always left in awe of how small we are in comparison to Him. Yet He left His station in existence became a little lower than the angels He created and allowed Himself to be sacrificed for you and I.

    This selfless act goes way beyond just dying on the cross and outside of our ability to understand just what the full impact of His sacrifice means, but it was not just for bragging rights, it was for all of His creation to be able to be restored to its former glory as well. In order to maintain God the Father’s Holy status and yes His glory as well.

    A little difficult for some to understand, but all of this is not *about* us, yet is *for* us and as a result we too shall share in His glory.

    70 degrees and humid up here in the mountains this morning with the constant singing of crickets and cicadas.

    Steve

  11. poohpity says:
    August 26, 2016 at 8:19 am

    Jesus’ life mission was to bring Glory to God. Everything He did had that goal in mind.

    What is the difference in wanting glory for ourselves and living to bring Glory to God? The athletes brought glory to themselves because of their great accomplishments which is not wrong or unwarranted so what would it take on the other hand to bring honor to God?

  12. street says:
    August 26, 2016 at 8:38 am

    faith

  13. street says:
    August 26, 2016 at 8:45 am

    you know steve i thinking of this earthly glory you have mentioned and i think about what others have spoken about it. i also believe they spoke correctly. if i can cut and paste it correctly here it is.

    seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another:

    “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty;
    the whole earth is full of his glory.”

    i really think i need to see things like seraphim’s do.

  14. street says:
    August 26, 2016 at 8:53 am

    thinking about what poo and steve touched on….thinking God bringing creation back, after a little diversion, in glory. i think we will be witnesses to these very events.
    wonder where i got the idea we would be witnesses?

    thinking when we get glimpses of light the first word that comes to mind might be Glory!

  15. street says:
    August 26, 2016 at 8:57 am

    oh i forgot to mention we are made of earth, aka dirt!

    the earth is filled with His Glory?

    looking forward to when perishable puts incorruptible.

    thinking God’s Word is incorruptible.

  16. joycemb says:
    August 26, 2016 at 9:01 am

    Good day all,

    Yesterday I was pondering Peters’ words about how we are like the grass that withers away and dies, as all or most of creation seems to do the same eventually with the seasons and preprogrammed life cycles given to each. Yet as was said, “The whole earth is full of His glory”!

    Lord open my eyes also to the glory of You around me today, so I can be at peace and be thankful, for “this is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it!”

  17. joycemb says:
    August 26, 2016 at 9:04 am

    Pooh I’ve been praying for you and hope your counselor is helpful, along with our heavenly Counselor Who is ever present in times of need.

  18. street says:
    August 26, 2016 at 9:07 am

    steve said, “This selfless act goes way beyond just dying on the cross and outside of our ability to understand just what the full impact of His sacrifice means,..”

    this life reveals His person, that He is so different from us and creation. He is unchanging; eternal; being. He can accomplish what He promised in and of Himself.
    God!

    i think of the two guys on the road who realized they where in His presents and He disappeared that moment. thinking tree of life was very close by and He did not want them to have to live with sin forever. just thinking.

  19. street says:
    August 26, 2016 at 9:18 am

    poo thinking of what you went through and having to say something to the medical board. i say thank you for saying what needed to be said. i pray that you can rest in the matter and come to peace. not saying anything would not have made the board unaware of the problem. thinking of the results of david and the catholic church not dealing with sin. sin is like cancer, it spreads and morphs. God grant you healing and forgiveness in this trial and bring you into His presents with glory.

  20. poohpity says:
    August 26, 2016 at 9:27 am

    Thank you Joyce and street! Please pray with me that this does not happen to another of his patients. I wrote him a letter and told I am working through forgiveness but that I am also praying that he will get the help he needs to overcome this sexual deviance and please do not do it to anyone else.

  21. poohpity says:
    August 26, 2016 at 9:29 am

    I also wrote to the police department and medical board saying it is now on their shoulders if the doctor repeats this behavior because he was not held accountable.

  22. joycemb says:
    August 26, 2016 at 9:34 am

    Thank you Lord for that fast answer of opening my eyes to see your Glory around me.

    I have written here about how abusive my father was in every way. I look like him and have his hands which has been hard for me and my siblings to deal with because of the horrific memories getting in the way. Well God just showed me how He has changed those same hands into loving, helpful, and healing hands. I always regret hitting my kids until I learned differently when they were about 5,6, and 8. I was in counseling and learned Gods ways, a long hard road of change. Yet am so grateful for the years of abuse changed through grace to Godly behavior. God gets all the glory for that. I was one who needed forgiveness because I didn’t know what I was doing. Thank you Jesus.

  23. joycemb says:
    August 26, 2016 at 9:42 am

    Pooh yes thank you for speaking up and I am praying his eyes also will be opened to his sin. And to get the help he needs for recovery. Once we do all we can we are to just stand. Stand still in the knowledge that we have done our part now it’s God’s move (although He’s been moving all along). May He be glorified through this.

  24. foreverblessed says:
    August 27, 2016 at 7:33 am

    This thoughts has not entered my mind seriously before:
    Jesus glorifying God in His death on the Cross!
    A good thought to meditate upon the next week, and for a long time!

    This was the thought of God in the Garden, this was the idea if Psalm 118, “this is the day” the hour for which Christ came.

    Many christians say, that it not about me, but that all is about God!
    But in God’s point of view it is all about saving mankind!

  25. street says:
    August 27, 2016 at 10:08 am

    Jesus reflected a different glory when he was lifted up on a cross to say “Father, “Forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing.”

    a man praying for and suffering for the ones who caused His pain suffering and death. truly loving His enemies. i find it interesting He says they do not know what they are doing…..i link of this with the another verse they hated me without a cause/reason.

    John 15:25
    But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’

    thinking pilot had a difficult time finding cause to condemn Jesus to death. he did find one in his charge from Rome, ” keep the peace.”

    13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

    14
    “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

    15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

    Jesus didn’t come to keep the peace, but to make peace!

  26. Regina says:
    August 27, 2016 at 10:09 am

    Good Morning, All
    Pray all is well in your lives… Read Mart’s intro comment yesterday, and it brought a song to mind (GLORY! ~John Legend & Common) that I tried to share on this blog site… I understand that the web address may not post here because of copyright laws, etc. If you have an opportunity, listen to it on youtube. It’s a *phenom* song! Well, gonna have some quiet time, a few chores and then off to choir rehearsal in the early afternoon. Will write more later…

    78 degrees and partly cloudy in my neck of the woods…

    Love to all,
    Regina

  27. street says:
    August 27, 2016 at 12:49 pm

    In that moment, the glory of the goodness of God… was made known for all the world to see. As the Father loves the Son… so the Father loves us.

    John 17:22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—

    John 10:29-31

    29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”

    31 Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him,

    John 17:11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.

    John 17:21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.

  28. joycemb says:
    August 27, 2016 at 1:51 pm

    Peace-

    There’s an older beautiful song that goes:

    He is our peace
    that has broken down every wall,
    He is our peace, He is our peace. x2

    Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you
    He is our peace, He is our peace. x2

  29. street says:
    August 27, 2016 at 4:34 pm

    peace with a Holy Righteous God

  30. joycemb says:
    August 27, 2016 at 9:14 pm

    Thinking about the “one” Mart shared as being defeated. That’s the other good news isn’t it!?! New life, 2nd chance, the knowledge that God’s greatest adversary was defeated and we now have an open door so to speak into the Kingdom of God. Thank you Lord Jesus, I love you and your love.

  31. jeff1 says:
    August 28, 2016 at 5:24 am

    Listening to gospel music is like hearing God talking to me and I heard this on the radio this morning.

    (Until the day God call me home)
    My heart can sing when I pause to remember
    A heartache here is but a stepping stone
    Along a path that’s winding always upward
    This troubled world is not my final home.
    But until then my heart will go on singing
    Until then with joy I’ll carry on
    Until the day my eyes behold my Saviour
    Until the day God calls me home.
    -Instrumental-
    The things of earth will dim and loose their value
    If we recall they’re borrowed for a while
    And things of earth that cause this heart to tremble
    Remember there will only bring a smile.
    But until then my heart will go on singing
    Until then with joy I’ll carry on
    Until the days my eyes behold my Saviour
    Until the day God call me home…

  32. joycemb says:
    August 28, 2016 at 10:37 am

    Street you said, “peace with a Holy Righteous God”.

    Yes He is holy and righteous. This Greco-Roman thinking however was challenged by the cross that Jesus bore for all. He made the way to commune with our holy, righteous God through His shed blood. Life for life.
    I myself once struggled with the dissonance of His holiness and my sinfulness. Because He is holy the only way to get to God is through His son. Remember how Job had to pray and offer sacrifices for his friends? Well, we are now friends with God. Mindboggling it is that even the worst of sinners is now a co-heir with Christ.

  33. street says:
    August 28, 2016 at 4:08 pm

    yes joycemb this righteousness is imputed to us legally by substitution by faith. it kinda pulls the carpet right out from under satan. we start with fear and end with love, yet a sure hope is linked to both. it’s certainly like the reverse of what happen in the garden.

    Greco-Roman thinking is secular thinking, but God is not hampered by using elements there in to explain to the human heart and mind the Glory and Love of God. i wonder if western thinking always follows Christian/Jewish theology? i diffidently don’t think it is the other way around.

  34. joycemb says:
    August 28, 2016 at 4:53 pm

    I was talking about the unapproachableness of God as far as the early cultures saw Him. Yes even Paul when he spoke on Mars Hill talked about the “unknown God” that was celebrated or rather understood as existing. Thanks to the faith and obedience of our Jewish fathers then and still contained in our scriptures today we know more and more about Him. You make a good point that Western thinking oftentimes views God as unapproachable yet imagines Him to be something like Santa or the Tooth Fairy or even the Grinch. Or at the worst a punitive justice seeking God. Justice was done, God is still Holy and demands nothing less from His followers. It is finished yet we still live in the tension of walking the walk as we receive grace only, not in our own power. I’m rambling… Love to talk about the journey:-)

  35. street says:
    August 28, 2016 at 9:23 pm

    less rambling when we fix our eyes and heart on our Savior. i have to admit each discovery is quite a bit of fun.

  36. joycemb says:
    August 29, 2016 at 7:57 am

    Amen!

  37. street says:
    August 29, 2016 at 12:09 pm

    5
    And the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
    and all people will see it together.
    For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

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