The Joy of Glory

Jude 24-25 (click here)
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. (Jude 24-25)

Reflection
I watch the groom.

It’s true. At every wedding I officiate, when the bride comes down the aisle and all rise to honor her… I watch the groom.

Why?

Isn’t this day all about the bride? Isn’t she the one arrayed in splendor and glory? Isn’t she the one everyone has stood to see?

It is true that a wedding’s emphasis falls on the glory of the bride, but if you want to see the joy that glory produces… watch the groom. In his face, you will see the joy of glory. It is his joy for his bride to be glorified… and her overwhelming radiance light up his eyes as never before. He is in her presence with great joy.

The beautiful benediction of Jude is a total “joy of glory” moment. Yes… it is all about the glory of God… that is what the good word calls for! All GLORY be to the only God, our Savior! And as we say these words we cannot help, but smile.

Why?

It is true that the emphasis of Jude 24-25 falls on the glory of God, but if you want to see the joy that glory produces… watch believers. In their faces, you will see the joy of glory, for this great God has used all his majesty, dominion, and authority to keep them from stumbling and to bring them into the presence of his GLORY with GREAT JOY!

This is the promise and hope of what our God will do… this is what he IS doing! This is our hope… the joy of glory!

*All previous devotionals may be found at www.thejoyofglory.com
*The complete SVCC Lenten reading guide is available here.