Todays readings.. Deuteronomy 33 & 34, Isaiah 6, Colossians 3&4
“THE WHOLE EARTH IS FULL OF HIS GLORY”
It is impossible to meaningfully imagine the time when “the whole earth (will be) full of his glory!” [Isa. 6 v.3] In one sense it is so today – for all the wonders of creation reflect the power and presence and glory of its’ Creator. One big difference in the future (and how soon?) – is that everyone living will be conscious of the Creator – and their reaction to this consciousness will determine how meaningful, indeed – wonderful their relationship with the Creator (& his Son) will become in that age.
What we read today in Isaiah inspires in us this meditation: also what we read today in the final 2 chapters of Deuteronomy. Ch, 33 starts, “This is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the people of Israel before his death.” The chapter ends with this declaration! “Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD, the shield of your help, and the sword of your triumph!”
That generation of “the people of Israel” were indeed blessed as they entered into the promised land – but sadly – as we know, and will soon read – it didn’t last!
Back in Isaiah 6 the vision the prophet receives reverts back to his generation and he is told, “Go, and say to this people: “Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’ Make the heart of this people dull …” [v.9,10] And so it happened, the people came to hear Isaiah and other prophets – but they did “not perceive.” And so today, since printing was invented, everyone could own a Bible – and until recent years – just about everyone did!
How long now – before “the whole earth is full of (God’s) glory!” We finish by looking on to Isaiah ch.52 and its vision of the time when “the LORD has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.” [v.10] Will you be there? You make the answer now – not just in words – but in actions. Finally, we have read Paul’s words to the Colossians, ”the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” [1 v.27] That hope will be fulfilled when “the whole earth is full of (God’s) glory!” This “hope” must become totally active in our thinking – day after day.
