Ever-increasing Glory
Scripture Reading — Revelation 7:9-17
We ... are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory. 2 Corinthians 3:18
Suppose you see a drooling baby in soiled diapers, and nearby you see some soldiers in splendid uniforms. If someone tells you that this stinky little infant will command those elite troops someday, it might sound ridiculous. But what if that child's father is a king?
For the time being, we are God's babies. But a day is coming when we will enter our full inheritance and be robed in dazzling white. We will even have authority over God's elite troops, the angels (1 Corinthians 6:2-3). It might sound ridiculous to say that we puny, smelly sinners will someday take command of spotless, mighty angels. But it's going to happen, for our Father is the King. We will reign with him forever (Revelation 22:5).
We need to sense this glorious future. Often, like babies crying for a bottle, we cry for God to feed us. Like babies fighting over worthless wrapping paper, we bicker and sue each other over things that have no eternal value. Like babies who need their diapers changed, we sometimes think that cleaning up our sins is all Jesus came to do. Yes, clean diapers are necessary, but at some point shouldn't an heir to the throne realize that ahead lies something greater than clean diapers? To be a Christian is not just to be forgiven and cleaned up. It is to be destined for a glory that reflects the glory of God our Father and Jesus our elder Brother.
Father and King, by your Spirit transform us with ever-increasing glory. May we conduct ourselves and treat others as royalty in light of our inheritance in Christ. Amen.
About the author — David Feddes
Dr. David Feddes is pastor of Family of Faith Church and provost of Christian Leaders Institute, which supports mentor-based ministry training through online courses. David is also adjunct missiologist for Crossroad Bible Institute, which provides biblical distance education to more than 40,000 people in prison. Previously he served as broadcast minister for the Back to God radio program, reaching people in more than fifty countries. David earned his Ph.D. in intercultural studies from Trinity International University, Deerfield, IL. He and his wife, Wendy, have nine children (one in heaven).
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!