The Present Glory
When God's glory fills the ordinary, the world catches a glimpse of the extraordinary.
The scene described in Leviticus 9 is breathtaking: Aaron and Moses, following the Lord’s precise commands, complete the sacrificial rituals and step into the tabernacle together. When they emerge and bless the people, the glory of the Lord appears—a radiant display of His presence made visible in light and fire. The people witness it and fall on their faces, overcome by awe and joy.
Ray Stedman draws our attention to the fact that this is not just an ancient spectacle—it was given for our instruction. We, too, are called priests, and our calling is no less dramatic in spiritual reality. When we yield to God’s design, the result is the manifestation of His glory.
But today, that glory isn’t fire from heaven—it is the character of Christ revealed in us by the Spirit. Paul wrote that the glory of God is now seen in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6), and that we are being transformed from glory to glory by the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18). This daily, internal transfiguration is not emotional hype or spiritual fireworks—it is Christ’s gentleness, patience, and truth radiating through surrendered lives.
So the lesson is simple yet magnificent: when we live as God’s priests—carrying Christ within, offering ourselves to God without reservation—the visible glory becomes the invisible wonder of Christ made known through us. And the onlooking world, just like Israel of old, catches a glimpse of something holy.
Journal Entry (Voice of the Holy Spirit through Scripture)
My child, you have already been made holy by the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. You are not striving to become what you already are. As a royal priest, you now minister not by labor but by life. You walk not to earn access but because you already dwell in the Most Holy Place by My Spirit.
The same glory that rested in cloud and fire now resides within you, for Christ in you is the hope of glory. My desire is not that you try harder to resemble Jesus but that you trust fully in My indwelling presence to reveal Him through you. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. You are a new creation, and My Spirit is at work to conform you to the image of My Son.
As you yield, I unfold My character in kindness and peace, in grace and truth. You carry the fragrance of Christ into every moment—not because you strive to smell sweet, but because you abide in the One who is altogether lovely. Where once My glory fell in response to obedience, now it flows through you by union. You are already blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ, and I delight to make Him visible in you. This is the present glory: Christ revealed in your words, your silence, your posture, your peace.
So do not chase the experience—rest in the reality. I am faithful. I began this good work in you, and I will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 10:10; 1 Peter 2:9; Colossians 1:27; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 8:29; Ephesians 1:3; Philippians 1:6
Prayer
Father, I trust that Your glory has already come to dwell within me because Christ lives in me. You are not distant, and I am not waiting for a future display of fire to know You are near. The glory has moved in.
Let this quiet confidence guide my steps today. In every encounter, remind me that I carry Jesus—not as a burden but as a blessing. I need not perform to shine—I only need to yield and trust You to express Him through me.
What once appeared in a cloud now lives in my spirit. Thank You that I don’t need to earn Your nearness. You have given me everything in Christ. I walk today not to find glory, but to reveal the One who is already present.
Devotional Credit: Immeasurably More by Ray Stedman
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