Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. – 1 John 3:2
When the Bible speaks of God’s glory, it’s talking about those moments when God draws near enough to be felt. Not just known in the mind, but sensed in the soul. And when that happens in Scripture, people almost always stop in their tracks. They remove their shoes, or they fall silent. Sometimes they even fall to the ground. And not because God is harsh, but because His presence is more powerful than we could humanly bear. Imagine trying to get a sip of water from a fireman’s hose… we would drown!
Foremost in my mind is Moses. He sees a bush on fire, but it’s not burning up. Fire usually destroys, but this fire holds steady without scorching the bush. God is teaching Moses something before He ever speaks a word: My presence is holy, but it is not meant to consume you. Still, Moses is told to keep his distance and to take off his sandals because he’s standing on holy ground. God is near, but Moses is not yet ready to step fully into that nearness.
As the biblical story moves forward, God’s glory goes with His people. We read about the pillar of cloud by day and the fire by night leading them through the wilderness. It comforts and protects them, but it stays out in front. God is with them, but He is still guiding from ahead, not yet dwelling among them in His glorious fullness.
Then there’s the building of the tabernacle. When it’s finished, the glory of the Lord fills it so completely that even Moses cannot enter (Exodus 40). Let that sink in! Moses – the man who spoke with God, the man God trusted to lead His people – has to stop at the door. God is closer than ever, dwelling in the midst of His people, but His glory is still more than human weakness can withstand.
Years later, Solomon builds the temple. And once again, the glory fills the house, and the priests cannot stand to minister. Same God. Same glory. Same human limitation. Nothing has failed. God has kept His promise. But the story is not finished yet.
Then comes Jesus.
On a mountain, His face begins to shine. His clothes become dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appear, and the three disciples with Him fall on their faces, just like people always have when God’s glory breaks through. But this time, something new happens. Jesus touches them and says, “Get up, don’t be afraid.” The glory that once kept people at a distance now reaches down with a human hand and comforts them.
And then comes the greatest surprise of all. The cross.
If you were looking for God’s glory, you would not look there. No brightness. No cloud. No fire. Just weakness, suffering, and shame. And yet, this is where God’s glory shines most clearly. And not as power that overwhelms, but as love that gives itself away. The glory that once filled temples now hangs on a cross so He can reconcile people to God and finally move into human hearts.
That brings us to where we are today. God’s presence lives in His people now, but it is still gentle, quiet, and often hidden. We still struggle, we still sin… we still feel overwhelmed by things that shouldn’t overwhelm us. And John understands that. He says, “It has not yet appeared what we shall be” (1 John 3:2).
But then he gives us hope: “When He appears, we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is.”
Here is the great promise. The glory that once overwhelmed humanity will one day perfect humanity. God has not become less glorious. We are being made ready to share in His glory!
Right now, seeing God fully would completely undo us. One day, it will complete us. What once made people fall on their faces will one day allow us to stand in magnificent awe and worship. What once required physical distance will invite personal closeness.
What we slowly start recognizing is that God has been patient with us all along. He’s been moving closer, step by step, shaping us, healing us, and preparing us. And when we finally see Him face to face, we will understand why He was so careful, why He moved at just the right pace. The fire that once overwhelmed will finish its work. And we will stand whole, unafraid, and at home in the presence of God! Amen!
There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. – Revelations 22:5
Former Blackout Artist 