Glory is one of those words that has so many meanings and applications that it is hard to define. We can say, “Her hair is her crowning glory.” “The sun is a ball of blazing glory.” “Give God praise and glory.” And here Paul wrote, “If what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!” (11)
When Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments of the Old Covenant, lightning surrounded the top of the mountain, it shook, and a loud trumpet sounded. When he walked down Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments, his face was radiant. When Moses was in the tabernacle a column of fire entered the tent. (Exodus 19:16-19, 33:9, 34:29-35) Glory was displayed in all this. Yet, the lightning stopped, the face of radiance faded, and the tabernacle is no more.
As the glory of the stars fades away and disappears when the sun rises, so the Old Covenant faded away when the New Covenant came. (10) We of the New Covenant have a hope of the future glory of the Kingdom of God. We see and experience that glory now through the moving of the Spirit. We have a sure hope for our future. So, we are bold in sharing the gospel of the Kingdom of God. “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:13) Is your hope sure?
