Daniel Fast- Called to Fight Until Victoryنمونہ

Day 21: Entering His Glory

“Nevertheless, as surely as I live and as surely as the glory of the Lord fills the whole earth.”

Numbers 14:21

God consistently revealed His presence to His people, manifesting in diverse forms such as a pillar of cloud and fire (Exodus 13:20-22), an angel bearing God's name (Exodus 23:20-22), and a glorious cloud covering the Tabernacle to guide the Israelites (Exodus 40:34-38). His power was evident in delivering the people from Egypt (Deuteronomy 4:37), and He appeared to Moses in a burning bush, calling him to service (Exodus 3:1-10). Even before the capture of Jericho, the Lord appeared to Joshua (Joshua 5:13-15), performing miracles to reveal His glory during the conquest of the Promised Land. The Ark of the Covenant accompanied the people at significant events like the crossing of the Jordan and the capture of Jericho (Joshua 3, 6). With His power and glory, the Lord fought for Israel against the enemy kings, throwing large hailstones from heaven and stopping the sun and the moon (Joshua 10:11-15). Through these displays of power and glory, God testified to His presence among His people.

While many may desire such manifestations of God's glory today, it's crucial to recognize that the glory of God now resides within us, and we are called to reflect this glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Joshua exemplified obedience, fulfilling his calling without murmuring or doubt and trusting in the Lord's promises for the land of Canaan. His faithfulness resulted in God revealing His glory through him. The obedience of God's followers was intended to lead other nations and kings to acknowledge the Lord (Joshua 2:10-11; 4:23-24 and 9:3,9).

Joshua's faith and radical obedience allowed him to enter God's glory, leading the people to the Promised Land. The Lord himself glorified Joshua (Joshua chapter 3:7; 4:14 and 5:26). This was in stark contrast to Moses, who, despite seeing the glory of God (Exodus 33:17-23, 2 Corinthians 3:6-16), couldn't accomplish this task due to the sinfulness of humanity and the limitations of the Law.

For us today, Joshua serves as a type of Jesus Christ.

Our Lord Jesus, a perfect reflection of God's glory, cleansed people from their sins and was glorified by the Father (Hebrews 1:2-3,13). By completing His entrusted work, Jesus glorified the Father, revealing the great glory of God through His ministry (John 17:4, Romans 15:8-9). He has opened the throne of God's grace to us (Hebrews 4:13-16), and we look forward to partaking in His glory when Jesus establishes His reign on earth (Revelation 4-5).

Jesus, "crowned with glory and honor," secured our place in His glory through His sacrificial death (Hebrews 2:9-10, Romans 15:7), although this glory is coupled with suffering (Romans 8:17-18).

The path to glory often involves pain, hardship, and trials. Yet, no matter the struggles, the journey ultimately leads to God's glory. Suffering is temporary, and Christ promises true rest (Hebrews 3-4). He provides rest to those burdened and exhausted (Matthew 11:28-30), and in the future, eternal rest in sinless bodies (Revelation 20:4-6) and ultimate peace (Revelation 21:4). As we leave our earthly home, we will rush to the place Jesus has prepared for us (John 14:2-3). Our road may be difficult and devoid of pleasant moments, but we are incomparably more interested not in the journey itself but in the destination.

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Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.

Revelation 21:1-7

Reflection Questions:

1. Are you prepared to meet Jesus when He returns in glory and establishes His Kingdom? How do you reflect God's glory in your daily life? Give examples.

2. Pause and inquire of Jesus: In what reality are you living today? The reality of a heavenly child of God or the reality of earthly cares as an orphan?

3. Reflect on the assurance that Jesus will return and establish His kingdom. How does this assurance impact your present life for Him?

Prayer:

1. That we would continue to remember God’s promises in our lives.
2. That our eyes would be fixed on His Kingdom.
3. For the return of Jesus.