What Happens When The Glory Of God Comes Down
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to experience the glory of God descending on earth? Many passages in the Bible describe powerful moments when the glory of the Lord is revealed to people. Encountering God’s glory is an awe-inspiring event that can transform lives.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Experiencing the glory of God brings deep conviction, purification, revelation, healing, and empowerment into our lives and communities.
In this comprehensive article, we will explore what the glory of God is according to Scripture, dramatic biblical accounts of God’s glory being revealed, the significance and impact of His glory, and what we can learn from these stories today as we long for more of God’s presence.
Defining the Glory of God
The Cloud of Glory
The glory of God is often symbolized in the Bible by a bright cloud surrounding the presence of God. For example, when God descended upon Mount Sinai, “the glory of the Lord settled on it in the form of a cloud” (Exodus 24:16). This cloud is described as being “like consuming fire” (Exodus 24:17).
Similarly, when Solomon’s temple was dedicated, “the cloud filled the temple of the Lord. And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled his temple” (1 Kings 8:10-11).
This heavy, dazzling cloud represents the awesome splendor and power of God’s presence.
The Presence and Power of God
The glory of God also refers to His manifested presence and power. The psalmist declares, “Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength” (Psalm 96:7). When the glory of God appears, it is a demonstration of His supreme power and divine nature.
For instance, when God revealed His glory to Moses on Mount Sinai, it was described as “a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel” (Exodus 24:17). His glory both revealed His presence and displayed His great power.
Similarly, in the New Testament when a blind man was healed, the people recognized it as a manifestation of God’s glory: “When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men” (Matthew 9:8).
The glory of God reveals who He is in all His strength and splendor.
A Weighty Spiritual Reality
The glory of God is the visible splendor, majesty, and presence of His holiness and power. But it is more than just a visual phenomenon. The glory of God has substance; it is a weighty spiritual reality.
The apostle Paul speaks of how, under the old covenant, the people could not gaze at the face of Moses because of the glory, and he draws a parallel to those who cannot behold the glory of God shining in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 3:7-18).
There is a spiritual weightiness to God’s glory that sinful man cannot withstand apart from the grace of God.
As believers, we reflect God’s glory because we have His Spirit dwelling in us (2 Corinthians 3:18). Although the full manifestation of His glory has not been revealed, we get glimpses of it in creation (Psalm 19:1), through God’s mighty works (John 11:40-44), and ultimately through Christ, the Lord of glory (1 Corinthians 2:8; James 2:1).
Biblical Accounts of God’s Glory
Glory Fills the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-38)
After the Israelites constructed the Tabernacle according to God’s instructions, the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. The cloud of God’s presence covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle so that Moses could not enter (Exodus 40:34-35).
This showed that God approved of the work and would meet with the people there. The cloud guided the Israelites on their journeys through the wilderness (Exodus 40:36-38).
Glory Fills Solomon’s Temple (2 Chronicles 5:13-14)
When Solomon completed building the temple in Jerusalem, the priests brought the Ark of the Covenant into the Most Holy Place. As the singers praised God with music, the glory of the Lord filled the temple.
The priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud, as the Lord’s glory filled the place (2 Chronicles 5:13-14). This showed God’s presence coming to dwell in the temple.
Isaiah’s Vision of the Lord’s Glory (Isaiah 6:1-7)
The prophet Isaiah had a powerful vision of the Lord seated on a throne, with the train of his robe filling the temple. Seraphim were above the Lord, crying “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty” (Isaiah 6:1-3). Isaiah was overwhelmed by seeing the Lord’s glory and holiness.
A seraphim touched Isaiah’s lips with a burning coal from the altar, cleansing him from sin (Isaiah 6:6-7). This vision shaped Isaiah’s prophetic ministry.
The Transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:1-8)
Jesus took Peter, James and John up on a mountain, where Jesus was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became radiantly white. Then Moses and Elijah appeared, talking with Jesus.
A bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 17:1-5). The disciples fell facedown in awe. This showed Jesus’ divine glory.
Pentecost and the Upper Room (Acts 2:1-4)
On the day of Pentecost, the believers were gathered together in one place in Jerusalem. Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind filled the house where they were staying. Tongues like flames rested on each of them.
All were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them (Acts 2:1-4). This marked the Spirit’s outpouring on the early church.
Significance and Impact of God’s Glory
Deep Conviction of Sin
When the awesome radiance of God’s glory is revealed, it often leads people to experience a profound sense of their own sinfulness and need for cleansing (Isaiah 6:5). As the light of God’s purity shines into their hearts, people may suddenly see the darkness within themselves more clearly than ever before.
This deep conviction is meant to draw us to repentance and set us free from sin’s grip.
Cleansing and Purification
The blazing fire of God’s glory doesn’t just illuminate our sin, it also burns it away. His divine presence brings cleansing and restoration, refining us like metal in a furnace (Malachi 3:2-3). As we yield ourselves fully to the purifying work of the Holy Spirit, we emerge as pure gold – ready to bring honor and glory to God.
Revelation and Insight
The radiance of God’s glory flowing into our lives brings heightened spiritual perception and insight. We gain access to the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16), seeing people and circumstances from an eternal perspective.
Supernatural understanding and solutions can come in a moment, bringing breakthrough in situations that may have perplexed us for years.
Supernatural Healing
The power of God’s glory displayed through Jesus Christ brought miraculous healings wherever he went (Luke 5:17). The same wonder-working power remains available today. As we press into the bright cloud of God’s presence, diseases dissipate in an instant, bodies are restored, minds are renewed.
Nothing is impossible for the Great Physician when his healing glory is released.
Anointing and Empowerment
The weighty, tangible glory of God resting upon us imparts spiritual gifts and equips us supernaturally to carry out our calling (Exodus 31:3). As we spend time gazing at Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18), being transformed by the Spirit, we may find that ministry flows through us almost effortlessly, far beyond our natural capacity.
Acts 1:8 promises that the Holy Spirit’s power will accompany us as witnesses for Christ.
Longing for More of God’s Glory
Develop a Heart of Worship
To experience more of God’s awe-inspiring glory, we need to cultivate a heart of worship (Psalm 84:2). This means setting aside regular quiet time to magnify His greatness, thank Him for blessings, and surrender areas holding back His work in us.
As we make seeking God a lifestyle priority rather than a religious routine, we’ll be filled afresh with His powerful presence (desiringgod.org).
Pray for Fresh Encounters
In addition to personal worship, we can plead for radical manifestations of God’s glory as the early church did (Acts 4:29-31). He delights to unveil His majesty through visions, dreams, miracles, angelic visitations, divine revelations – anything to declare His superior greatness.
As we cry “do it again Lord! “, He’ll rend the heavens and come down (Isaiah 64:1, cru.org).
Yield Every Area of Your Life
Another key is surrendering all rights and agendas to God’s complete control. As we yield relationships, careers, finances, future plans – no strings attached – His manifest presence steadily increases. We mustn’t try manufacturing spiritual “highs” in our own strength.
Glory encounters happen in God’s timing as we die to self-sufficiency and say “I now live for your purposes alone” (Galatians 2:20, jesusculture.com).
Get into God’s Presence
God’s power and glory fill His manifested presence. So we must continually position ourselves before Him through prayer, praise, and sticking closely to Jesus – the “radiance of God’s glory” (Hebrews 1:3). As we look full into His face, glory begins transforming our inner man (2 Corinthians 3:7-18).
Staying near Him becomes wonderfully effortless as His weighty glory grips our hearts. We find ourselves longing, even desperate, for more of Him alone – our First Love (cru.org).
Welcome the Conviction and Cleansing
Finally, God’s manifest glory brings deep conviction of hidden sins, attitudes displeasing Him. But this necessary exposure leads to emotional healing, deliverance and cleansing. As we humbly agree with His diagnosis and shout “change me at any cost!
“, He’ll answer with merciful judgment – discipline in love aimed at restoration. We’ll emerge walking in new obedience, sensitive to His Spirit like never before. Then He entrusts us with greater Kingdom authority because He can fully trust us (Isaiah 6:1-8, todaydailydevotional.com).
Conclusion
Throughout Scripture, we see that amazing things happen when the glory of God is revealed. His powerful presence convicts, cleanses, heals, and empowers. As believers today, we must cultivate a heart of worship and surrender.
We can pray for fresh encounters with God’s glory, yielding every area of our life to Him. While His glory may bring deep conviction, it always leads to greater freedom and transformation. May we experience more of the wonder of His glory.
