Yesterday, we looked at freedom—being brought out of captivity so we can truly know God. (Link)

Today, we take the next step: Why were we created?

The answer is both simple… and breathtaking.

“Everyone who is called by My name, whom I created for My glory, whom I formed and made.” (Isaiah 43:7)

We were created for His glory.

But what does that mean?

The prophet Isaiah gives us glimpses:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory.” (Isaiah 6:3)

Creation itself declares it:

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” (Psalm 19:1)

Throughout Scripture, God’s glory appears—filling the temple, surrounding His presence, revealing His power. When Moses and Aaron fell before Him, the glory of the Lord appeared (Numbers 20:6). When worship filled the house of God, His glory filled it so fully that no one could stand (2 Chronicles 5:13–14).

So what is His glory?

In Hebrew, kavodh carries the sense of weight, honor, substance—something undeniable. It is God making Himself known—revealing who He is in power, presence, and majesty.

And in the New Testament, we see that glory most clearly in Jesus Christ:

“The Word became flesh… and we have seen His glory… full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

“He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples put their faith in Him.” (John 2:11)

God's glory is not abstract.

It is God made visible. Recognizable. Known.

And here is what is so amazing:

You were created for that.

Two profound truths emerge for those in covenant with Him:

God reveals Himself to us.
So we may know Him, recognize Him, and trust Him.

God reveals Himself through us.
So others may see Him in the way we live, love, and walk.

“To us”… and “through us.”

This is the life of covenant.

“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

To glorify God is not merely to speak about Him. It is to live in such a way that He becomes visible in us.

But Scripture is honest:

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

On our own, we cannot reflect Him rightly. That is why this changes everything:

“Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27)

The mystery is not just that we see His glory.

It is that He lives within us.

We have no hope of revealing God unless Christ dwells in us.
But because He does… everything changes.

We glorify God as the life of Christ within us becomes visible around us.

Not instantly. Not perfectly.But progressively.

“From glory to glory…” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

His life increasing in us.
His nature being formed within us.
His presence becoming more evident through us.

This is not a single moment. It is a lifelong unfolding.

And suddenly, Isaiah’s words take on deeper meaning:

“The whole earth is full of His glory.”

How? Because His people are everywhere.

Lives redeemed.
Hearts transformed.
Believers carrying His presence into every corner of the world.

The earth is filled with His glory… because it is filled with those who bear it.

Reflection
Where in your life is God inviting you not just to know Him—but to reveal Him?

Prayer
Lord, let Your glory be seen in me. Not in words alone, but in the way I live, respond, and love. Form Your life within me so fully that others cannot help but recognize You. Make me a vessel through which Your glory is revealed. In Jesus' name and for His glory, amen!

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© 2026 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

“Sit often under the influence of God’s Word.”🌻
www.janross.org/devotions/

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