Rise Up: The Glory of God
“Then Moses said, ‘Now show me your glory.’” – Exodus 33:18
We often talk about the glory of God—but have you ever stopped to ask, what does that really mean?
Is it a bright light from heaven? A feeling of goosebumps during worship? A moment of supernatural awe? For many, “glory” sounds mysterious—something only reserved for prophets and preachers, not for people like us. But the truth is far richer, deeper, and closer than we think.
Let’s demystify it.
What Is the Glory of God?
In the Bible, the glory of God isn’t a vague spiritual mist or a mood during a church service. It’s the manifestation of who God is—His nature, His presence, His power, and His character revealed to humanity.
The Hebrew word for glory, kabod, literally means weight or heaviness. It carries the idea of God’s significance—His authority, His majesty, His awe. When we talk about His glory, we’re talking about the weightiness of His reality—how substantial, real, and holy He is.
The Greek word doxa adds another layer—it speaks of honor, splendor, and radiance. Together they paint a picture: God’s glory is the visible, tangible expression of His invisible character.
So when Moses cried out, “Show me your glory,” he wasn’t asking for fireworks. He was asking to see who God truly is.
And God responded by revealing His nature:
“The LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness…” (Exodus 34:6)
That’s glory. His goodness, mercy, forgiveness, and truth on display.
The Glory Revealed
The glory of God shines everywhere.
In creation – “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1). Every sunrise, mountain, and crashing wave whispers His majesty.
In Christ – “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us… we have seen his glory” (John 1:14). When Jesus walked the earth, He was the living, breathing revelation of the Father’s glory. Every healing, every act of compassion, every word of truth showed us who God is.
In us – Here’s the staggering truth: the same glory that filled the temple in the Old Testament now dwells in God’s people through the Holy Spirit. The glory isn’t confined to a building anymore—it fills believers.
That means you can radiate the glory of God in your everyday, ordinary life. When you forgive, when you show kindness, when you love sacrificially, when you carry peace into chaos—you reflect the nature of Jesus.
The glory of God isn’t about smoke and spectacle; it’s about the nearness of His nature.
Rise Up and Radiate
We’re called not just to see God’s glory but to carry it—to be glory carriers.
Paul said, “We all… are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18). From glory to glory—this is the journey of every believer.
Imagine being known as a glory generation—a people who radiate God’s presence wherever they go. Homes marked by peace, workplaces filled with grace, schools and communities touched by compassion.
But how do we step into that glory? How do we live it out daily? Moses shows us how.
1. The Prayer of Encounter
It begins with a prayer: “Show me your glory.”
It’s not a casual prayer—it’s a dangerous one. Because when you pray that, you’re giving God permission to reveal Himself in ways that might challenge, change, and even break you before He fills you.
It’s a prayer of surrender—“God, I don’t just want to know about You; I want to experience You.”
When was the last time you prayed that kind of prayer?
2. The Place of Encounter
God told Moses there was a place—a cleft in the rock—where His glory would pass by. (Exodus 33:21-22)
There’s always a place where God meets with us. It might be a quiet room, a walk in nature, or a moment in worship—but it’s a set-apart space. A place of stillness where we can encounter His presence and hear His voice.
Do you have a place like that? A space where God can show you His glory?
He invites us not into performance, but into presence. “Come away,” He says. “Come and experience My character, My nature, My personality.”
3. The Posture of Encounter
To enter the cleft, Moses had to change his posture. He couldn’t stand tall in pride; he had to stoop low in humility.
Every encounter with God requires a posture change. It might look like humility instead of pride, faith instead of fear, reverence instead of distraction.
Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is simply be still. Turn down the noise, lift your eyes, and let His presence do the work.
4. The Product of Encounter
When Moses came down from the mountain, his face shone with the glory of God. But that wasn’t all—the Ten Commandments were birthed out of that encounter.
Think about that: a prayer led to a revelation that shaped society for generations.
What could God produce from your encounter? What prayers could change not just your life, but ripple out into your family, your community, your world?
You are the product of someone else’s prayers. And someone’s breakthrough might depend on yours.
Carriers of His Glory
When we rise up and walk in the glory of God, people around us see it. They might not have the language for it, but they notice something different—peace in a storm, joy in hardship, love that doesn’t make sense.
This is what it means to be a glory carrier—to let God’s nature shine through us in every space we enter.
Our homes.
Our workplaces.
Our schools.
Our friendships.
Everywhere.
Because when His glory fills us, His presence is made known through us—and the world sees Jesus.
So, rise up. Step into His presence. Pray the dangerous prayer. Change your posture. Make space for His encounter. And radiate the glory of God wherever you go.
Reflect and Respond
- When you think of the “glory of God,” what picture comes to mind—and how might that need to change?
- Where is your “place of encounter”? What space can you set apart this week to meet with God?
- What posture of heart might God be asking you to adopt so you can experience more of His presence?
- What “product” might God be preparing to birth through your prayers and obedience?
- How can you intentionally reflect the glory of God in your home, workplace, or relationships this week?
Jon Baldwin / Ian Williams - Home Church.