I am attracted to beautiful things. In taking a moment to ponder beauty experienced, I reminisce…
Sitting on rocks in a pool of water, feeling mist of the rainforest waterfall sprinkle my face
Solitude sunrise on a farm in England as fog lifted from rolling green hills
Dangling feet over Lake Lucerne surrounded by beautiful Swiss mountains
Walking along a dusty trail surrounded by exotic flowers of varied hues and peacocks crossing my path
Holding my daughter after anticipating her arrival for nine months
Much of what I consider beautiful is in the handiwork of God. While I’ve looked to the ceiling to consider the masterpiece painted by Michelangelo and listened to the pure melodic joy music brings to my ear, I've also discovered beauty in the simplest of things. Walking into a store off the beaten path in San Francisco only to discover vintage goodness that make my heart swoon. Or seeing a colorful showcase of flowers in vases, paint on canvas and crayon streaks on lined paper.
God provided so many beautiful things to delight in.
The psalmist describes God and beauty that transcends our understanding.
“Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD, glory and strength! Ascribe to the LORD, glory due His name…Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth.” Psalm 96:6-9
Imagine, something so beautiful it makes you tremble. Chills and pitter patter of my heart, I can understand. I feel that when my senses are awakened. But tremble?
This "splendor" is brilliancy, resplendence, magnificence, glory, grandeur, eminence. God is more illustrious than setting sun, more breathtaking than rich scenery of the most exotic destination, and more stunning than priceless jewels.
El Ha-Kavod is God of Glory.
“The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.” Psalm 29:3
Although Author breathed words into writers of Scripture, language still limits His true brilliance. In response to His splendor, those encountering His beauty head on fell face first.
Ponder in your heart how God is described in Ezekiel 1:28. The indescribable likeness of God’s glory caused Ezekiel to simply fall down before Him.
One of the Hebrew words for glory is “kavod” indicating a figurative weight, importance or splendor.
Read 2 Corinthians 4:17. The weight of God’s glory is indicative of His prominence, prestige and power. The word glory also suggests beauty.
Read Psalm 29:9, which reveals the response of those in His presence.
CANOPY OF GLORY
When the glory of the LORD appeared to the Israelites in the wilderness, it was in a canopy of cloud, fire, and smoke. One of the most fascinating things is simply knowing the clouds were a shield of God’s glory.
Exodus 24:16-18 describes a glimpse of God’s glory.
“And the glory of the LORD rested on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; and on the seventh day He called to Moses from the midst of the cloud. And to the eyes of the sons of Israel the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountain top. And Moses entered the midst of the cloud as he went up to the mountain; and Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights.”
The glory of the Lord referenced above speaks of God indwelling and abiding with. God’s glory was the very presence of God. No doubt, it is hard to imagine the awesome sight of God’s glory resting, but you can be sure it was spectacularly beautiful, splendid and satisfying!
When Moses came down the mountain, the skin of his face was shining and had to be veiled because of its brightness. (Exodus 33:33-35). Moses was physically transformed by being in God’s presence. His own face reflected the brightness and radiance of God’s glory.
His beautiful glory is dazzling. So pure, radiant and brilliant.
BEAUTY UNVEILED
Moses and Ezekiel had unparalleled glimpses of God’s glory. However, through Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, the Word tells us we with “unveiled” faces can gaze at God’s glory face to face with spiritual eyes.
Meditate on the beauty and resplendence of El Ha-Kavod, God of Glory. His beauty is unparalleled!
RENOWN is a 4-week Bible study series. This week is God of Brilliance. View an overview of weekly lessons, being week 1, God of Power, begin week 2, God of Character or subscribe now to receive via email or rss feeder.
