God’s Kingdom and Its Glory (2 Peter 1:16-18)
The disciples were worried when the Lord said that He must suffer and be killed. As the Lord wanted to comfort them a little, He said He would come in His Father’s glory. Yet such promises were too vague for His disciples. The Lord spoke about this again, “There are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power.” The Lord will come in His Father’s glory on the Last Day, but before this, He promised He would briefly show the radiant authority of God’s kingdom to a few of His disciples.
1. Showing His glory beforehand
Six days later, the Lord showed this promise for real when He took Peter, James and John and went up a high mountain. His face shone like the sun and the splendor coming from His body penetrated His clothes. A cloud finally covered them, and a voice said, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” The Lord showed them a taste beforehand of His glory on the Last Day.
2. Those who saw the glory of His kingdom
The presence and glory of God’s kingdom was no longer a distant story for His disciples. They could clearly testify that God’s kingdom comes and its glory shines where there is obedience of faith. This is the same for us, since we received their faith and possess the testimony of the Holy Spirit.
3. The kingdom and glory inside us
Glory is not permitted only to special people or special occasions. For sure, the spirit which does not obey God’s word (and is overshadowed by sin) cannot see glory. But if you are a person who obeys the Lord and loves the church, which is His body, you will see God’s kingdom and His glory shine in the place where you serve. While we seek the glory of the Last Day, the Lord gives us the comfort of His love today.
September 5, 2021
Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim