Apr 26, 2002 By The Rev. Alexander Jalso 4 min read

Scripture reading: Psalm 24:1-10. Text: “The sun has one kind of splendor (glory), the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor (glory).” 1 Corinthians 15:41. And: “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:l8. New International Version.

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Although we hardly mention “glory” in our daily conversation, it appears 275 times in the New International Version of the Bible. If the idea of glory would be omitted from the Holy Scriptures, an important part of the divine revelation would be missing.

Glory versus vainglory.

Let us start with the understanding of two basic human desires:

– First, everybody likes to excel, to become well known, popular, important, recognized, respected, and celebrated. To certain degree this expectation can be found in every healthy person’s mind.

– Second, it is vital for us not to be isolated but to build relationships among each others. As we develop our relationships, we like to use our fame, reputation, importance, and social status for our advantage.

The original Greek text will come to our help again: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, . . .” New International Version. “Let nothing be done through strive or vainglory; . . .” King James’ Version. Philippians 2:3/a. The original word, which is translated by vain conceit and vainglory, means emptied glory or hollow glory. See also Galatians 5:26/a. Thus if we take the concept of glory in its broadest sense we soon realize that glory is an essential part of our life, however, not always in a positive way.

Apostle Paul – and was not he a superb psychologist? – spells out clearly that there are differences and degrees in glory and also it is possible for us to reach or graduate to a higher level of glory.

“And we all…beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed…from one degree of glory to another…’ 2 Corinthians 3:l8.

How do the artists paint saints? Having a halo around their heads. The halo supposed to symbolize that some positive and spiritual are emanating or radiating from the being of that saint. So glory is the radiation of spiritual power and God’s glory is nothing else but the “shining rays” of His existence or holiness.

A physicist would be able to help us to understand better the meaning of glory since it was stated that glory is the radiation of “spiritual power.” Please do not forget that God is almighty, that he is omnipitent and everything is possible for him for he is the absolute power. “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man, this is impossible, but, with God, all things are possible.'” Matthew 19:26. Read also Mark 10:27 and Luke 1:37.

We have various encounters with radiation in our everyday life; for instance TV, microwave oven, X-ray, heat, light, etc. While light can be seen and heat can be felt, however, special medical equipment is needed to make use of the X-rays and a physician will interpret the X-ray pictures. Likewise the glory of God cannot be observed with naked eyes but we need the “equipment of faith” to make it visible and the “ability of love” to interpret it.

When it comes to radiation, for instance heat and light, there are conductors, insulators, and reflectors. The conductor lets the radiating energy through, the insulator blocks its passage, and the reflector returns it. When your TV set is in good working condition you see a clear picture on the screen, and this means that every component in the whole process – from the broadcasting to your TV’s screen – is functioning well.

This short prayer will open our eyes before the glory of God:

Lord, please bless me so I can sense or perceive yhy radiating power; make me a window so I can let Thy holiness through for the sake of others; help me to serve as a mirror so I can reflect Thy glory and praise Thee, and use me as sunglasses so I can dim the glare of our self-importance and vainglory.

We can interpret glory for practical purposes in this way also; glory is holiness radiated and perceived, and we either reflect or transmit or block it.

Let Apostle Paul have the final words: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31.

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The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.