God’s glory is revealed throughout Scripture, but Exodus and God’s dealings with Moses and the people of Israel provide perhaps the most vivid examples. The Hebrew word most often translated as glory in the Old Testament is kabowd, which comes the kabod and means splendor, but in a weighted sense. (Strong, 1990).
When we read of God’s glory in Exodus, we see it is powerful, dominant, and all encompassing. Much like liquids that expand to fill their containers, God’s glory, when present, fills the space, or, as is the case with Christians, individual where it is present. When God met with Israelites in a tangible way, we read that God’s glory “settled down” on Mount Sinai in the form of a cloud (Ex. 24:16, NLT). When Moses asks God to show him His glorious presence in Exodus 33, God replies, “I will make all my goodness pass before you.” This appears to indicate that God’s glory encompasses God’s goodness. Because God is the definition of good, this in turn encompasses all of who He is. It is, therefore, His nature, power, and presence. We further learn His very presence is so mighty and awesome; mankind cannot view His face and live, so God hid Moses “in the crevice of a rock” and covered him with His hand while He “passed by”. (Ex. 33:18-23) Furthermore, when God’s glory, embodied by a cloud, covered the Tabernacle; His presence filled it so completely, Moses couldn’t enter. (Ex. 40:34-35)
These references are important because later, in Exodus 34:29-35, we see God’s glory transferring to Moses. After having spent time in God’s presence, Moses’ face radiated God’s glory. This served as evidence of God’s presence and favor and gave authority to God’s message. God’s glory showed through Moses. We could also rephrase this statement by saying God revealed His glory through Moses. The Bible tells us creation, including mankind, exists for God’s glory, therefore we should expect that our glory is intended to represent and point to God’s. In his audio recording titled Unveiling Your Purpose, ministry leader Gary Barkalow illustrates this point by quoting Psalm 19:1, which says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (ESV). (Barkalow, 2008)
Discussing this idea further and how it relates to mankind, Barkalow says God created each of us in God’s image, and how we all reveal a unique aspect of who God is. This doesn’t mean we look light God but rather that we encompass parts of His nature and reveal His glory to those around us. In other words, “Christian work in the world is missional only insofar as it is personal: missio Dei per imago Dei, the mission of God through the image of God. (Eckel, 2013) When we live out who God created us to be and the characteristics that are unique to us but still embody a part of who He is, we bring glory to Him.
Barkalow equates our calling with our glory, and suggests that calling is much greater or broader than what we do. In his talk, he used teaching as an example. It’s common for one who enjoys and is gifted at teaching to consider teaching their calling, but what happens when this particular role ends? Have they lost their calling? Or is there a deeper passion that not only underlies their particular role but also that provides a cohesive, divine thread which points to a greater purpose? Barkalow indicates the latter, and though I hadn’t heard this particular interpretation of calling before, when I evaluated my history, passions, and interests, I can see this is true.
The idea that my calling involves who I am and the uniqueness I bring to situations rather than what I do brings me great peace. It tells me, though I continually make mistakes and perhaps even miss opportunities, so long as I’m living authentically, I will not miss out on my calling. More than that, this assures me that every step and misstep has value, and this frees to me embrace each moment with joy and Christ-led focus. In addition, looking at my calling from a broader sense provides a framework with which I can evaluate situations and opportunities, pursuing those that appear to align most with my calling.
I have not encountered much teaching on one’s calling or vocation, except perhaps the call of evangelism that is common to all believers. Most often when one uses the word calling in conversation, they talk about narrow, vocational roles. For example, in the writing world, we, myself included, often speak of when we first sensed God’s call to write. I think those conversations are still valid, for, as Barkalow pointed out, “For God is working in [us], giving [us] the desire and power to do what pleases Him” (Philippians 2:13 NLT).
The concept of man’s glory, how it relates to one’s calling, and how this in turn brings glory to or reveals God’s glory is an interesting and inspiring one. Using Scriptural references and examples. Barkalow convincingly showed how one’s glory or calling form a constant and consistent thread throughout one’s life and also how our understanding of this can impact our lives and choices. This is important because, as Barkalow emphases, knowing who we are allows us to uncover our place in God’s story which in turn allows us to live with purpose and focus.