Pastor’s Corner: “Measured Glory”
Mark 4:24-25 (ESV) – 24 And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you. 25 For to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”
Jesus knew these words might sound strange to non-spiritual ears, so he preceded His message by saying, “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear”(Mark 4:23). Jesus was telling us, “If your heart is open to God’s Spirit, you’ll understand.” What exactly is Jesus saying in this passage? He’s speaking of how the Lord measures out His Glory (glorious presence) in various amounts, whether to churches or to individuals. Some don’t receive any of His glory. Others receive an ever-increasing measure, emanating from their lives and churches.
Measurement is a comparison of an unknown quantity with a known fixed quantity of the same kind. The problem with measuring God’s Glory is that we have nothing to compare it to. We cannot speak of measure or amount or size or weight and at the same time be speaking of God, for these tell of degrees and there are no degrees in God. God’s glory lives above and beyond any type of description or definition.
God’s glory encompasses the greatness, beauty, and perfection of all that He is. In everything that He is and in everything that He does, God is greater than human description. Every attribute and action of God is stunningly beautiful in every way. Each characteristic of God and every accomplishment from his hand is totally perfect. This is what we mean when we talk about God’s glory. There is none like Him; he has no rivals, and no valid comparisons can be made to Him. He is in a category of his own beyond our ability to estimate, understand or describe
God has promised to pour out his Spirit on his people in these last days. All of scripture points to a triumphant, Glory-filled church at the close of time. Jesus himself said the gates of hell will not prevail against his church. We won’t be limping into heaven. No. Our Lord is going to bring greater power to his church. This power won’t be manifested merely in signs and wonders. It will be revealed in his people and in the glorious transformation of hearts touched by God’s Spirit. 2 Corinthians 4:17 (AMP) – 17 For our momentary, light distress [this passing trouble] is producing for us an eternal weight of glory [a fullness] beyond all measure [surpassing all comparisons, a transcendent splendor and an endless blessedness]!
To go from glory to glory, you cannot remain as you are. What was good enough before will not be enough for what He has for you. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV) – 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
How can we obtain an ever-increasing measure of Christ’s glory? The Lord told us very clearly in Mark 4:24. Jesus was saying, “According to the portion of yourself you allot to me, I’ll give back to you in like portion. I’ll deal with you in the manner you deal with me.” If you measure out to God apathy and laziness, taking for granted His great work, you’ll be dealt a spirit of slumber. “Laziness casts one into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger” (Proverbs 19:15). As a result, your soul will go hungry.
God’s love, mercy and grace toward us are boundless. The issue here isn’t obtaining his love, mercy or grace (because we already have these in Christ); but having the blessing of his glory (glorious presence) in our lives. Jesus states plainly that he measures out different amounts of his glory to us, according to how we measure out our hearts to him. Our part is simply to move ever closer to him in our worship, obedience and faith (trust). Give Him more or your heart and He will give you more of His Glory!
In His Grace,
Pastor Hamilton