The knowledge of the glory of the Lord

We have the “light of the knowledge of the glory of God” in us (2 Cor 4:6). We do not have to look somewhere for that knowledge, nor travel to listen to just the right teacher. Though our lives seem outwardly less than perfect, God chose to put His light in us, along with the knowledge of what His glory is like, by putting His Son Jesus’ Spirit in us.

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” (2 Cor 4:7) Not only does the knowledge of His glory reside in us by the Holy Spirit, but so does His power. Though we look kind of “earthy”, like clay, our clay vessels hold the splendor of God’s workmanship.

The Lord glories in His works. In fact, He likes to display the works He does in men. In Isaiah chapter 61 we read about His redeeming power, setting people free, comforting those who mourn, giving beauty instead of ashes and gladness instead of mourning. He dresses us in a garment of praise and takes away our despair, planting us as oaks of righteousness for His Splendor (Is 61:3). God loves to redeem the sad, the lost, and the afflicted and give them a new, purposeful life. He redeems us and gives us a permanent place in His kingdom, for He has perfect faith in His work, though it be in our imperfect lives. We display His splendor, and that His workmanship is good, For He transforms us by the mighty working of His power to accomplish what we alone could not do; righteousness.

God loves to see the redeemed redeem. When we restore relationships and rebuild communities it glorifies Him all the more, for we are doing His work. This is how His kingdom spreads across the earth; by sharing the knowledge of the glory of the Lord. It is God’s plan that the knowledge of His glory will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea (Hab 2:14). His workmanship in us is that powerful, and has the same redemptive quality as when the Holy Spirit first redeemed our own lives. Today let us take confidence in the work of God through Christ in us, for He has us on display so that men might be redeemed. Amen.