When God appears, he often reveals himself as a cloud of glory. This cloud of glory is the awesome presence of God.
In the wilderness, God was a pillar of cloud and fire with the Israelites (Exodus 13:21-22; Numbers 14:14). He went before his people, destroying their enemies and protecting them from evil.
On the top of Mount Sinai, God appeared as a cloud that struck everyone who saw it with fear (Exodus 19:12-19; Exodus 24:16-17).
When the tabernacle was completed, the cloud of glory moved in. Everyone else was shut out (Exodus 40:34-35). No one could enter into the tabernacle and coexist with that glory, because they were unprepared.
God is preparing a people who can house his glory. This will be his bride, who will be ready for his appearing at the end of the age. When they are ready, the cloud of glory will descend upon them. Then the door into this spiritual position will then be shut (Matthew 26:10-11). Only the bride of Christ will be able to coexist with this full revelation of God’s glory.
When the temple of Solomon was completed, God’s glory moved into that temple. When God’s glory arrived, the priests were unable to stand and continue ministering in the temple (2 Chronicles 5:13-14). This shows that the revelation of God’s glory brings an end to man’s strength and ability. Man is brought down when God’s glory is revealed.
Every Christian is called to minister for God. The purpose of ministry is to reveal God to a broken world, redeeming humanity back to God through the gospel. But this ministry happens in measure. If God’s glory was revealed in fullness, ministry would end, because the purpose of ministry would be fully achieved.
Apostles, prophets, and other ministry positions have been given by God to build up the church until the church reaches full maturity (Ephesians 4:11-13). When the church reaches full maturity, she will be full of the glory of God. When the church is full of God’s glory these ministry positions will no longer be needed, because the purpose of their ministry will have been fulfilled.
When God’s glory is fully revealed among his people, prophecies, tongues, and knowledge will all pass away (1 Corinthians 13:8-12). We will no longer need the glimpses of God that spiritual gifts provide for us now because we will see God in fullness.
The purpose of ministry is to reveal God now, preparing people to fully receive his glory in fullness later. Ministry is one of the most important things anyone can do, because it reveals God to his people, preparing them for his purpose. But when God’s glory is fully revealed, ministry will no longer be needed.
“He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).
When God shows up, people are brought to the end of themselves.
Job saw God and said, “I heard of you with the ears, but now I see you. Therefore I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:5).
Isaiah saw God and said, “Woe to me, for I am a man of unclean lips, for my eyes have seen the king, the Lord of hosts” (Isaiah 6:1-5).
Daniel saw a powerful angel and said, “I have no strength left” (Daniel 10:7-8).
When Peter got a glimpse of Jesus’ power and glory, he said, “Depart from me Lord, for I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:4-9).
Man works for 6 days, but when the 7th day comes, man is to rest. This is a spiritual principle. God is calling us to enter into his rest. The 7th day, God shows up and his works dominate. When we enter into this rest with God, we stop our own works and do God’s works (Hebrews 4:10).
“Of him and through him, and to him are all things” (Romans 11:36).
“Of him” – Everything of true value originates in God and is owned by God.
“Through him” – Truly valuable things are done by God’s strength.
“To him” – Everything of eternal value is for the glory of God.
Let us live doing these things.
The church has not yet experienced the cloud of God’s glory. We have seen glimpses of God, and praise God that he dwells inside us by his Spirit. But we have the first fruits of the Spirit, and there is much more.
At the end of the age, God’s people will be ready to coexist with his glory. The bride will be prepared, and then she will be glorious, without spot or wrinkle. Throughout the earth, God’s faithful people will be in communities that will be filled with glory (Isaiah 4:5). Then God’s glory will radiate through the church, and the earth will be filled with the glory of God. Everything contrary to God’s glory will be removed (Numbers 14:21; Psalm 72:19; Habakkuk 2:14).
Only those things that can coexist with God’s glory will remain. This is the glorious future and the end of the age. Let us prepare for this impending reality.
Lincoln House Churches 