Psalm 19 – Behold True Glory
Where can you best see true glory displayed? Maybe in the performance of a skilled athlete, an accomplished musician, or even the birth of a child. These things are indeed amazing to see, we long for displays of things extraordinary and captivating. It is something our minds are naturally drawn to. However, according to psalms 19, true glory is all around us.
David says true glory is from God and it’s really easy to spot. If you’re out on a sunny day, look up, the bright sky declares God’s glory. The picturesque sunset leading to sparkling twilight nights hums his wisdom.(vs2) As days roll by and night creeps in, the glory of God is displayed continually. Throughout the whole world, their song is heard. David explains that the sun runs its course to the cheer of nature. And each day, we can experience the event.
We don’t need to look hard for true glory, we really need to pause and contemplate.
Yet with this thinking, David moves on to think about the glory found in God’s word. He describes the law of the Lord as perfect and true, being able to make wise the simple. Those who lack understanding can be amazed by the truths that come from God. His teachings are honest and can spark joy in the heart. God’s commands are pure, giving sight to whoever is blind.
He can direct us on the safe path of life. The glory of the word of God is so great, it’s more precious than gold itself. It tastes more refreshing than the sweetest food. His word searches and warns us. We are directed by it to keep in step with God’s desires. And those who glory in and obey the commands, God grants his favour and blessings.
Yet beholding the Glory of God affects the viewer. As the Spirit works in the heart, the soul is moved to question and examine themselves. They ponder if they are worthy to bask in the presence of such glory. Seeing God’s glory should make you ask if your life is being lived for this glory.
The reality of life is that sin blinds us from the glory, by nature we delight in lesser glories. We can glory in our accomplishments and status. Pride boasts in its wealth and influence. For those who lack status, they see those who currently hold it over them, and make it their aim to raise themselves to their level.
However, if our eyes look away from ourselves and to God’s glory. We see something humbling.
Jesus who is all glorious from before time began, steps down into humanity and lays such glory aside. Divine glory is covered on a cloak of flesh. Look at his life, sinless, gracious, merciful. in his humanity, Jesus is exceedingly glorious. He lives, he nurtures, he heals all from a place of deep love and care.
And then, he weeps at a funeral, he sweats in gethsemane, he’s arrested, beaten and broken on a cross. Yet not for any wrong in him but in us. He dies and endures holy wrath for us. When it all seems hopeless, on a sunday morning, his glory breaks forth as the sun rises. He stands alive resurrected from death never to die again.
His glory is beheld by his disciples as he rises into heaven. And for all those who see the work of Christ in dying for us and place their trust in him, when they die, they will be with him in that Glorious place, heaven. Beholding the Glory of the Son of God, Life will go on eternally in endless glorious days.
May the meditation of God and his glory in Christ refresh our hearts and mind, making our thoughts and deeds acceptable in God’s sight.