Topical Encyclopedia The phrase "Give Him Glory" is a call to honor and worship God, recognizing His supreme authority, majesty, and holiness. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and is a central theme throughout Scripture. The act of giving glory to God is not merely a verbal acknowledgment but involves a lifestyle of worship, obedience, and reverence.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the call to give glory to God is often associated with His mighty acts and His covenant relationship with Israel. For instance, in 1 Chronicles 16:28-29 , the psalmist exhorts, "Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; bring an offering and come before Him. Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness." Here, giving glory is linked with worship and the acknowledgment of God's holiness and strength. The prophets also emphasize giving glory to God, often in the context of repentance and turning away from idolatry. Jeremiah 13:16 warns, "Give glory to the LORD your God before He brings darkness, before your feet stumble on the darkening hills. You hope for light, but He will turn it to utter darkness and change it to deep gloom." This passage highlights the urgency and necessity of giving God the glory due to Him, as a means of aligning with His will and avoiding judgment. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the call to give glory to God is expanded to include the revelation of Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 10:31 , instructs believers, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God." This directive underscores that every aspect of a believer's life should reflect God's glory, demonstrating a holistic approach to worship. The book of Revelation frequently depicts scenes of heavenly worship where God is given glory. Revelation 4:11 declares, "Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and came to be." This passage affirms God's worthiness to receive glory based on His role as Creator and Sustainer of all things. Theological Implications Theologically, giving glory to God is an acknowledgment of His intrinsic worth and the rightful response of His creation. It is an act of recognizing God's sovereignty, grace, and truth. The Westminster Shorter Catechism famously states that "Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever," encapsulating the idea that glorifying God is the ultimate purpose of human existence. Practical Application Practically, giving glory to God involves both individual and corporate expressions of worship. It includes prayer, praise, thanksgiving, and acts of service that reflect God's character. Believers are called to live in a manner that honors God, demonstrating His love and truth in their interactions with others. In summary, "Give Him Glory" is a biblical exhortation that permeates both the Old and New Testaments, calling believers to a life of worship and obedience that reflects the majesty and holiness of God. |