218. Glory, Honor, Strength, Gladness
1 Chronicles 16:27 Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.
According to this stated truth there is a promise for those who come into the presence of God, to the place where He resides. David is referring to the Presence of the Lord over the mercy seat of the Ark of the Covenant. This place is the presence of God on the earth. Glory and honor are there because God Himself is there; the glory and honor that are due only to the Lord, for He is worthy, is there. Strength and gladness are also in His place, the place over the Ark where God is located on earth. God is always strong and glad.
The promise is that we NT believers in Jesus may enter into God’s Holy Presence through the blood of Christ. By faith we go with Christ through the veil and, with Him, sprinkle His blood on the Ark, granting us unfettered and safe access into the very presence of God. In His presence we receive God’s glory and honor besides God’s strength and joy. God shares His life with us; that includes these blessings. We receive God’s Life by faith in Christ, and not only are we glorified and honored, but also we are strengthened and filled with joy.
The Presence of God is no longer on the physical Ark of the Covenant nor in the Holy of Holies of the Temple. Jesus, who is the Presence of God on earth, has replaced these objects. All those who believe in Christ are now the temple of God and the Lord Himself resides in each believer’s body in its human spirit. It should send us to the floor in amazement that our body is the temple of God. In us resides the Spirit of God because of Christ. Amazing: in us is the Presence of God on earth. We may enter into the Presence any time to receive the promise of Life; this life includes glory and honor, strength and gladness. It is hard to believe, but with the “hope of glory” inside us we never need to feel insignificant or shamed, weak or sad. Enter in by repentance and faith, prayer and praise, and receive the blessed promise.