It is a major theme of Scripture that God is passionate for His glory. He wants to make His name known. All history moves toward the end that God will be glorified. The living should take this to heart and live in such a way that exalts the God who gives the very breathe they breath.
When men fail to live this way or purposefully walk contrary to God's way, God is not thwarted regarding His glory. Though He would rather display His glory through a life that is dedicated to Him, He can bring glory to Himself through the death of those who don't live for Him.
We saw two examples of this in our reading today. The first account was found in 2 Kings 1 regarding King Ahaziah of Israel. He fell through a lattice in an upper chamber and was hurt very badly. He wondered if he would survive the fall. Instead of inquiring of the Lord's prophet, at this time Elijah, he inquired of the god Baal-zebub. Though he should have known better, being the King of God's people, he rejected the Lord and sought direction elsewhere. This folly cost him his life. Ahaziah's messenger was intercepted by Elijah who delivered the message that the king would not survive the fall. Sadly, in this situation, God would be glorified in this king's death, showing Himself sovereign over life and death.
The second account was found in Daniel 5. It involves the son of a pagan king Nebuchadnezzar. His name was Belshazzar. Though he should have known better, having experienced God's hand in his father's life, Belshazzar dishonored the Lord. He took the vessels of gold and silver that had been taken from the temple in Jerusalem and he used them at a drunken party. Again this folly, this lifestyle that was dishonoring to God, cost the king his life. The handwriting was seen on the wall, and when interpreted by Daniel the message was clear. Accoring to verse 23 "the God in whose hand is your breath, and whose are all your ways, you have dishonored".... thus your days are numbered, your life has been found wanting, and your kingdom is going to be given away. The swiftness of this judgment coming pass surely brought glory to God showing Him master of life and death, and sovereign ruler who lifts one and brings low another.
There is a better way, though, to bring glory to God. Rather than be one who disobeys God and who glorifies God in your death, God has a better plan for His children. This was actually Paul's prayer for the Thessalonians. In 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 Paul prayed: "To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by His power, so that the name of the Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Paul prayed that the Thessalonians would walk in such a way that brought glory to Christ. He prayed that they would be filled with God's grace enabling them to fulfill every good work of faith. He prayed that they would walk in a manner worthy of their calling as Christ followers, and worthy of the Christ who called them to follow.
Oh may it be so that we bring glory to our Lord through a walk worthy of our calling rather than as a judgment for a life lived in neglect of our Maker. His grace is sufficient and abundant. May we all know that grace which equips us for every good work to the glory of Jesus.
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