Introduction: "Glory" is a word we don't use much. Sometimes we call the flag "Old Glory." Sometimes we name our baby girls "Gloria." But "Glory" is an essential attribute of God, and we need to know the meaning of Glory, if we are to love and worship the Lord. Jesus had lived as a man for about thirty years, and He had laid aside His glory. The disciples caught a small glimpse of His glory on the Mount of Transfiguration (Mark 9:1-3 indicated that they saw an unearthly bright light). Peter later wrote about the experience (2 Peter 1:16-18, page 1894).

I. What is the Glory of God? Scripture helps us understand...

A. Exodus 24:15-17...Words that come to mind are: powerful, fiery, impressive, awe-inspiring, like a volcano blowing its top, like an atomic bomb exploding on the mountain's peak.

B. Exodus 33:18-23 and 34:29-30...No living person can see the full glory of God, because it would kill him. Not even Moses (Exodus 40:34-35).

C. I Chronicles 16:23-36...God's glory is revealed in the excellence of His works and character: He is our great Savior; his deeds cause awe and wonder; He is the one REAL God; He made the Heavens (which manifest His glory - Psalm 19:1); splendor, majesty, strength, joy. His holiness is full of splendor. His sovereignty is universal. He is the righteous Judge of all the earth. He is bountifully kind and good to His people. His love is eternal, and He is worthy of eternal praise.

II. Jesus had laid all this glory aside for 30 years. Now, though He dreaded the cross and the experience of bearing our sins and the wrath of God for our sins, he was looking forward to resuming His eternal glory (Hebrews 12:1-2). He was joyful at the prospect of saving us, and bringing us to salvation. But He was even more joyful to do the Father's will. And He was joyful at the prospect of returning to Glory.

III. It is of essential value in the Christian life to have a deep appreciation and respect for the Glory of God (Hebrews 12:18-29, page 1878). Our reverence for the God of Glory compels us to resist sin and lead holy lives, in order to please Him. If we have little reverence and awe in our worship of God, our worship will not be acceptable to Him. NT believers have even more reason to stand in awe that the OT believers who actually saw God's Glory on Mt. Sinai with their physical eyes. To whom much us given, much is expected.

Conclusion: The world does not care much for God's Glory, and unbelievers will do all they can to dethrone God (Romans 1:21-23). But we are God's children. Let's come into His presence with reverence and awe. Let's praise Him for His excellent Glory every day of our lives. Amen.