Standing Before God’s Glory

Reflection

This spring, there was a total solar eclipse that moved through the United States. My area only received it partially. I didn’t have the right eyewear to safely watch it, but I still wanted to see it. So I stood outside, put my hand over my eyes, and tried to catch a glimpse of the moon’s shadow through my fingers.

Not only did I fail to see anything clearly, but I ended up with spots in my vision for a few days. I do not recommend trying this at home.

But it made me think. If I can barely stand to look at the brilliance of the sun, how could I ever stand before the full glory of God?

All throughout Scripture, the glory of God causes people to fall to the ground. Moses was hidden in the cleft of a rock, and even then only saw a glimpse of God’s back. Priests could not stand in the temple when His glory filled it.

And yet this verse in Jude tells us something incredible.

One day, we will stand before God's glory. And not with fear or shame, but with great joy.

This is only possible because of Jesus.

There is no way I could ever present myself as faultless. But He will. And when that day comes, it will not be terrifying. It will be beautiful. I will be presented before the presence of His glory, and I will be able to stand.

There’s something so steadying in that truth. Whatever today looks like, I can still rest in the promise that God is keeping me. He is preparing me. And He will finish what He started.