Exodus 33:18 And he said, I beseech you, show me your glory. I. WHEN CHRISTIANS THEN, DESIRE TO SEE THE GLORY OF GOD, IT SEEMS CHIEFLY TO IMPLY THE FOLLOWING THINGS. 1. They desire to see the glory of an eternal independent God; they desire to see the only living and true God in His own inherent excellence and infinite perfection. (1) That there is in the fulness of the Godhead an infinite and endless variety even for the employment of our intellectual powers. (2) That the real and proper knowledge of the glory of God is by inward and spiritual illumination. 2. That the believer desires to see the glory of a gracious and reconciled God, not only infinitely glorious in Himself, but infinitely merciful to him. This view ought never to be separated from the former. Take away the Divine mercy, and the lustre of His other perfections is too strong for us to behold. 3. The believer desires to see the glory of God as an all-sufficient God. (1) When the believer sees the fulness of God, then his anxiety, and distressing fears of every kind, are at an end. Does he want provision? "The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof." Does he want friends? God is able to make his enemies to be at peace with him. (2) I shall only add that the Divine all-sufficiency is to be considered as regarding our sanctification as well as comfort. And what courage does he derive from the fulness of Divine protection, the greatness of Divine power, and the faithfulness of the Divine promise! II. I proceed NOW TO MAKE SOME PRACTICAL IMPROVEMENT OF WHAT HATH BEEN SAID. And — 1. Let us admire the Divine condescension in admitting His saints to a discovery of His glory. 2. Let me beseech you to try yourselves whether this ever hath been your attainment, and whether it is your sincere desire. 3. I exhort you, in the most earnest manner, to diligence in seeking after real communion with God in His instituted worship. How highly are we favoured with light and liberty! How little are many sensible of their privileges! III. I conclude by offering to those who would see the glory of God A FEW DIRECTIONS AS TO THE BEST PREPARATION FOR SUCH A DISCOVERY. 1. If you would see the glory of God in His sanctuary, be serious in self-examination and the renunciation of all known sin. Holiness is an essential attribute of the Divine nature; and, therefore, He must be worshipped in the beauty of holiness. 2. In order to see the glory of God you must be clothed with humility (Isaiah 66:2). 3. In the last place; if you desire to see the glory of God, be fervent in preparatory prayer: if there is any blessing that requires importunity and wrestling with God, surely this high and happy privilege of communion with Him in His house must be of that kind. (J. Witherspoon.) Parallel Verses KJV: And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. |
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