When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” John 11:4
Lazarus was a good friend of Jesus yet he fell ill and died so God would take the glory. God’s ways are past finding out!
Eli was the high priest of Shiloh. He spoke a word over a barren woman called Hannah: “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” This word triggered a ministry that led to the
conception of Samuel. One day, Eli and his sons died and the ark of the Lord was captured in war; when his daughter-in-law who was about to give birth heard the news, she named her newborn baby boy ‘Ichabod’ following the events.
Israel was no longer a heavy weight. She had been defeated. She lost her champion and the championship – the greatest treasure. Gone was the Chabod – the glory. The symbol of God’s essence and presence. Without this, they could not compete in the next tournament or upcoming season. After all, how would they win?
The whistle blew, trumpets sounded, children rip their clothes and put on ashes. Across the streets of Israel, mothers were wailing as the men beat their chests lamenting: the glory has departed. Who would imagine? Where’s our glory? Perhaps you are in a similar situation this minute.
I have been pondering on ‘Chabod’ and ‘Ichabod’ for the past few hours and here’s the word: In the beginning there was glory and in the end, there’ll be glory – no matter what happens in between.
Whatever’s been seemingly lost in your life will be retrieved, rebuilt, repaired, renewed, restored, reinforced, revived, and refined.
Question: Are you ready for the NEW glory?
The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the LORD of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the LORD of hosts. Haggai 2:9
Shout Glory!
There might be chaos right now as a result of the things no longer in your possession or control; those things you are unable to find or recover – LOST. Faith, hope, ambition, child, husband, house, job, contract, ministry, opportunities, or whatever! Here’s good news, in this same place God bestows peace. Peace in the Hebrew is SHALOM meaning completeness, prosperity, and welfare. In essence, nothing missing and nothing broken.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27.
Receive PEACE!
Lazarus was raised back to life, the ark of the Lord returned to Jerusalem, and the desolate temple was rebuilt. You’ll get your stuff back!