Living His Word

2 Chronicles 3:18 ERV: We all show the Lord’s glory, and we are being changed to be like him. This change in us brings more and more glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

What does the word “glory” mean in our verse for today? It refers to something that is resplendent with beauty and magnificence. It refers to something that is worthy of great praise and honor. The Lord, of course, is glorious. He is resplendent with beauty and magnificence and he is worthy of great praise and honor. The glory of the Lord is the supreme instance of glory.

Those who are in Christ Jesus “show” the Lord’s glory. That is, we have been changed to reflect the glory of the Lord. We now reflect the beauty and magnificence of the Lord and we are now worthy of great praise and honor. It was, of course, not always this way. Outside of Christ we were not glorious at all and we were not worthy of any praise and honor. Instead, we reflected the ugliness and inferiority of Satan. We were only worthy of condemnation and disdain.

Further, in Christ, the change in us is bringing us more and more glory. God knew us before he made the world and he decided at that time that we would become like Jesus (Romans 8:29). As time goes by, the reality of who we are in Christ Jesus becomes more and more evident for all to see. The beauty and magnificence of who we are becomes more apparent and we become worthy of ever greater praise and honor.

The change at work in us is the work of the Holy Spirit, who is one with Jesus Christ and the Lord Himself. Whenever we live in a way that gives meaning to our salvation, with all due fear and respect for the Lord, it is the Lord Himself through the Spirit who is working in us (Philippians 2:12-13). He began this good work in us and He will see it to its completion (Philippians 1:6).

Thus, there is something beautiful and magnificent about us. Each of us in our own unique ways is reflecting the glory of the Lord. And this glory is increasing day by day.

Don’t be surprised, then, when praise and honor comes your way. Don’t be surprised when people hold you in high regard.