More Than What Meets The Eye

I will set my glory among the nations; all the nations shall see my judgment which I have executed, and my hand which I have laid upon them.

Ezekiel 39:21

Jewish scholars teach that scriptures have several levels of meanings beyond their literal translation. Proverbs 25:2 states, “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.” God hides nuggets of truth in plain sight. As kings and priests, we get to go treasure hunting.

The passage in Ezekiel refers to a future battle between the nation of Israel and its enemies. I think there could be more here than what’s on the surface. God said His glory would be set among the nations. When Jesus, who is the glory of God, was here, Rome was in power. Its dominion spanned countries and cultures. In the midst of Rome’s imperial sprawl, God’s glory in the form of His Son moved in and took up residence. Before He returned to Heaven, Jesus gave His glory to believers. Anywhere a follower of Jesus resides, God’s glory abides.

“All nations shall see my judgment which I have executed.” The bible is the best selling book of all times. The story of the Cross and God’s love for man has been widely distributed. “God made him (Jesus) who had no sin to be sin for us, that in him (Jesus) we might become the righteousness of God,” 2 Corinthians 5:21. The good news of God’s forgiveness, although highly distributed, is still unknown to many. This will change. Revelation 1:7 explains how this can happen. “Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen.” Sometime in the future Jesus will return. All will see the one who bore the punishment of all sins and fulfilled God’s righteous judgment of mankind’s behavior.

To help convince Pharaoh to release the Israelite slaves, Egypt experienced ten plagues. Initially everyone suffered. God then isolated Goshen, home to the slaves, and made it a plague-free zone. Revelation describes a similar scenario. Earth will experience horrific tragedies but at some point God’s hand will overshadow those who believe in Him and they’ll be spared. Just like Egypt, a distinction will be made and be evident for all to see.

God’s primary objective is reconciliation with man. Before Adam and Eve sinned, the plan was in place to win us back. Throughout time God strategically places His glory via those who know Him personally. Our responsibility as Christians is let the light of the world, Jesus, out. His glory will dispel the darkness that obscures the truth of God’s love for all. Shine on!