Jehovah Kahbodi

Jehovah Kahbodi: The Lord My Glory

~ Series: Names of God ~

Psalm 3:3

Introduction

When I was in junior high, I used to sing in choir. I have some fond memories of that time, and also some not so fond memories. One time, I went to an old folks home to sing. They put us in a corner and as I was singing, I started getting nervous and sweaty. IO did something that oyu should never do in those situations. I locked my knees. Before long, I remember blacking out and hitting the floor in the middle of a song. The next thing I know, I am getting helped to my feet and taken around to a place where I could sit and recover. They gave me a glass of water with white floaties in it that didn’t taste very good. I drank it anyway. One of my classmates told me they thought I was starting to break dance when I was falling (who does that at a nursing home). Oh the joy. Another more pleasant memory revolves around the spring concert. We could try out for solos and duets and sing at the concert. I was selected for a duet. The song was: Glory of Love by Peter Cetera (former lead singer of Chicago). My singing partner was Jennifer Fangsrud (who lived near me). It went like this: “I am a man who will fight for your honor. I’ll be the hero you’re dreaming of. We’ll live forever, knowin’ together that we did it all for the glory of love” Does anyone know what movie this song was from? This was the theme song for Karate Kid Part II.

Why did I bring that up? Because of the title: Glory of Love. The term glory is used a lot in our society. When do we use this word in general terminology.

A blaze of glory – an ending that is dramatic of done spectacularly

Glory Be – Southern term of Excitement

Crowning glory - achievement

Glory Hole – when you strike oil

Old Glory – American Flag, glory-beauty

Glory Days – when things were the best in the past

Morning Glory – flower

No guts, no glory – give maximum effort

Song: Glory, glory, hallelujah – Battle Hymn of the Republic

Song: Glory Land – heaven (Just over in the Glory Land – I’ll join the happy angel band…)

Song: Hark the Herald Angels Sing: (Glo- o – o – o - oria, in excelsis deo). Does anyone know what that means? Glory to God. (that is why some preachers say “Glory” when they are preaching, or people in the pews may even say it, too. Glory to God! Praise Him!

Why all the talk about glory today? Today, we are going to talk about another name of God that has to do with “glory”. Last week I shared about the name Jehovah Shammah, which means “the Lord is there.” We talked about how the presence of God changes people when he shows up. We also talked about that name can be given to our cities like it was in the Bible. When the presence of God shows up in our cities, they are changed.

Today, we are going to expand a little on a similar idea and talk about Jehovah Kahbodi. This term is found once in the Bible in Psalm 3:3 – “But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.”

The term found here for the Lord is Jehovah Kahbodi. It means “The Lord, my glory.”

Today, we are going to talk about the glory of God and what it is, and how God can be your Jehovah Kahbodi, this unique name of God.

Body

I. The Glory of God

This is one of those concepts that is hard to understand and explain. There are so many aspects to this that most people have a hard time grasping it. Let me try and peel away some layers to help you understand the glory of God. We will start with the words in the Bible translated as glory.

The Old Testament word for glory is the Hebrew word “kabod” (kah-bode). It is often translated as honor, glory, or majesty, although there is much more to the meaning that that (which we will get into).

The New Testament word for glory is the Greek word “doxa.” It signifies similar meaning to the Old Testament word, but also carries with it the idea of splendor, magnificence, or renown. It is this root word that gives us the word doxology. A doxology is a short hymn or expressions that gives “glory to God.” Probably the most famous one is one that I learned growing up. It went like this (sing along with me if you want). "Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; "Praise Him, all creatures here below; "Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host; "Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen." We give doxa to God through a doxology.

Let’s dive into some parts of the glory of God to help clarify our understanding.

A. What the actual word tell us…

Glory is honor.

Glory is honor, praise, or admiration. In Malachi 1:6 it says, “A son honors (kabod) his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the honor (kabod) due me?” We understand this aspect of glory when we say we can restore something to its former glory (honor). We also recognize it when people receive “glory” or “honor” from others when they achieve a victory or significant accomplishment. God, however, deserves the ultimate honor. We give “glory” or honor to God with our words of praise, our acts of obedience, and even songs of exaltation. If anyone deserves honor or glory, it is God. In Luke 2:12, the angels told the shepherds, “Glory to God in the highest…” We also sing about it: “you deserve the glory, and the honor… Lord we lift our hands in worship as we lift your holy name,” We also say, “To God be the glory great things he has done.” Glory is honor!

Glory is heavy.

The word kabod is actually a derivative of the Hebrew word Kah-vayd – which means “heavy.” God’s glory is heavy or weighted (which is odd, because you can’t see it. It doesn’t appear to be physical). And yet, there is weight. The word itself tells us this. We see this in biblical examples. When the children of Israel were fighting against the Amalekites in Exodus 17, Moses was on the top of the hill raising his hands as Joshua and the army battled the Amalekite armies. In Exodus 17:12, it tells us that Moses hands got kabode/“heavy”, so Aaron and Hurr had to hold his arms up. The glory of God carries that same heaviness. We see this when Moses tried to enter the tabernacle that was covered with God’s glory in a cloud. Exodus 40:34-35 says Moses could not enter into it. It was too heavy. Again we read something similar when Solomon dedicated the temple of the Lord. In 1 Kings 8, a cloud of God’s glory covered the temple and the priests could not perform their service. The weight was too great. God’s glory carries weight.

Glory is bright.

Remember how I said that doxa means splendor. Glory has a literal and figurative association with bright light. In Ezekiel 1:28 explains this in relation to God’s glory, “ Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around. Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.” We also see it in the story of Jesus birth. The angels announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds and it says in Luke 2:9, “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” God’s glory gave light that shined in the darkness. Even in the new heavens and earth spoken of in Revelation we see this. Revelation 21:23 says that God’s eternal city “has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” God’s glory is light!

B. What the Word of God teaches us…

God’s glory is His goodness.

Glory isn’t just something that can be seen or felt. It is part of who God is. It is part of His character. This includes His goodness. How do I know that? We see this revealed in one of the most dramatic manifestations of God’s glory in the Old Testament. It takes place when Moses has a moment with God where he asks Jehovah God in Exodus 33:18–19, “Please, show me Your glory (kabod).” God’s response was “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.”

Moses asked to see God’s glory. God’s answer was that his goodness would pass. God’s glory includes his goodness. How many of you believe God is good?! All the time! His goodness reveals and is part of His glory! Apparently they cannot be separate. His glory includes that aspect of His character.

God’s glory is full of beauty.

God in his character is holy and great! And in that, we see the beauty of His glory (It is beautiful!)! It is more than “pretty” or just looking nice. It is awe-inspiring, wonderful, and glorious. Philippians 4:20 says it this way, “To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” There is beauty in his glory! We even see it in Jesus. In John 1:14 it says, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” That kind of glory is beautiful to behold!

God’s glory is eternal!

Colossians 1:27 talks about “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” The hope of glory is something in the future – an eternity with Jesus in His glorious presence. This is the glory that lasts forever. It doesn’t fade. It doesn’t burn out. It doesn’t end. 2 Corinthians 4:17 says, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” The glory of God is ever-lasting, never-ending, and eternal!

God’s glory can be seen and felt.

God’s glory can be something very tangible and real that is felt, touched, perceived, recognized, and detected by us. The spiritual presence of God crosses into the physical realm is a very real and tangible way. We see this in Exodus 24:16 when Moses went up on Mount Sinai to receive the ten commandments. “and the glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain…” We also see this in the tabernacle in the wilderness. Exodus 40:34–35 says, “Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 35 And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.”

God’s glory can travel.

This one is hard to explain. But God’s glory can appear and disappear from places. It can move and show up here or there. Ezekiel 11:23 says, “And the glory of the Lord went up from the midst of the city and stood on the mountain that is on the east side of the city.” I don’t fully understand it, but apparently God’s glory can move into physical spaces. It can travel from here to there. It can appear in different places, at different times, and in greater measures as God so chooses. We see this when Jesus was transfigured before his disciples in Mark 9. While on the mountain, it says Jesus person lit up with a color that was ultra white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach. And then a cloud came down and spoke out loud. What was happening? What showed up here? It was the glory of God, for sure! In 2 Peter 1:17–18 it explains all about it. “For when he (Jesus) received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain.” God’s glory showed up on the mountain where Jesus and his disciples were. It took residence there in a big way and was seen by all! That’s what God’s glory can do. It can travel. It can move.

So, by diving into the word of God, we can find out that God’s glory is honor, heavy, and emits light. It also contains or is engulfed in god’s goodness. It is also beautiful, eternal, can be seen and felt, and can travel or show up from place as needed. Now, let’s discuss…

C. Where God’s Glory Can Be Found

In the presence of God.

Since God’s glory is a part of who He is, then wherever God is, His glory resides. So whenever you see the presence of God somewhere, you will often see the evidence of God’s glory.

1 Kings 8:11 – “And the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled his temple.”

2 Chronicles 7:1 – “When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple.”

This leads me to a term that Jewish people have adopted to explain the presence and glory of God. You may have heard the term before, but interestingly enough, you will not find it in the Bible. The term is shekinah glory. This term was coined by Jewish rabbis shortly after the writing of the New Testament to describe the visible, manifest, presence of God. It is another word for kabode that is now much more common in Jewish and even Christian circles, even though you will not find it in any original Bibles. It is the term for when God’s presence shows up in a glorious way among humanity in a very real and tangible way.

In the sky above.

Psalm 19:1–2 – “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.”

Psalm 8:1 – “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.”

Look up into the sky. The stars, the universe, the celestial beings display the glory and splendor of God. It is marvelous and awe-inspiring. It shows his fingerprint and how great and glorious He truly is. (Which leads to the next example of where God’s glory can be found…)

In ALL of God’s creation.

Isaiah 6:3 – “And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”

How can you not look at God’s creation and see His glory all around? The mountains, the trees, the flowers, the streams, the creatures, the clouds, the rainbows, the sunrise and sunset. All of Like the creatures cried out in Isaiah, all of creation cries out with the glory of God. It reminds me of a beautiful song by MercyMe that goes like this: “All of creation , sing with me now. Lift up your voice and lay your burden now. All of creation sing with me now. Fill up the heavens let his glory resound. Oh, ah, ohh… the reason we sing is to sing of his glory.”

In heaven.

Psalm 73:24 – “You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.”

Colossians 3:4 – “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” This isn’t just a state of being. It is also a place. It is BOTH. Heaven, where the presence of God is called “Glory.” Remember the song from earlier: “just over in the glory land, I’ll join the happy angle band. Other songs that refer to heaven as “glory”: Angels From the Realms of Glory, A New Name Written Down in Glory (and its mine),

In people.

God has chosen to dwell in a strange place – in the lives of mankind – His people. His greatest creation is humans. And he puts his glory in them. Listen to what Psalm 8:5 says, “You made him (mankind) a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.” The glory here is the same glory that we refer to God – the Kabode. God has manifested His glory in us! Wow! How amazing is that! I’m not sure exactly how that works, but it is astounding that God would put His glory on us. 1 Corinthians 11:7 also indicates that man “is the image and glory of God” When God created Adam, he created him with the image AND glory of God.

Did you know that you are a place that God wants His glory to inhabit? That’s what his plan all along was. He didn’t wants his glory to remain forever on a mountain like Mt. Sinai, or a tent like the tabernacle, or a building like the temple. We see God’s glory show up there, for sure. But God wanted to display his glory inside of mankind – his greatest creation. I believe that’s why Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:16–17, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” The “you” is God’s people, the body of Christ. That includes each and every one of us. And His Spirit allows His glory to reside in us! God wanted more than just to create a beautiful creation and let it flail through life on its own. He wanted to allow His glory to transform and change our lives.

II. God Can Be Your Jehovah Kahbodi

As I said, God has given some of His glory already to his creation and to mankind. But it is not complete. God can be your glory in greater degrees! I believe that Jehovah Kahbodi is not just a statement of fact, but a prayer of hope.

A. God wants to be your shield and hope!

Psalm 3:3 – “But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.”

Jehovah Kahbodi is our shield. Jehovah Kahbodi is the lifter of our head that gives us hope, that takes us from the pit and puts our feet on solid ground. Song: Lord lift me up and let me stand, by faith on heaven’s table land. A higher plain that I have found. Lord, lift my feet on higher ground.”

B. God’s glory can become your glory!

Jehovah Kahbodi isn’t just a title, it is a reality the psalmist wants in your life. Do you want it in your life, too? Do you want him to be Jehovah Kahbodi, the Lord, your glory. God CAN become your glory in increasing amounts if you want. You just have to do what is required of him.

Step #1: Awaken your soul.

Psalm 57:8 – “Awake, my glory (kabod)! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn!”

You need to make it personal. You need to makes some effort. Awaken that dead man inside of you that wants to coast. Awaken the glory of God within you!

Step #2: Keep away from “Glory” drainers.

Genesis 49:6 – “Let my soul come not into their council; O my glory (kabod), be not joined to their company. For in their anger they killed men, and in their willfulness they hamstrung oxen.”

Step #3: Abide where God’s glory dwells.

Where does God’s glory dwell? Several places. 1) In the praise of his people. Psalm 108:1 – “O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory (kabod).” His glory also dwells 2) In His house. This can be a church building, a home meeting, or even at a retreat or Bible camp. God dwells where His people are – especially when they come together. Psalm 26:8 – “I love the house where you live, O Lord, the place where your glory dwells.” 3) God also dwells in places where His presence is. Exodus 34:29 – “When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord.” Can people see that you have been with Jesus by the way you look? I believe they can. In Luke 11:34–35 it seems to hint at this idea. It says, “Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness. 35 See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness.” The more you abide where God’s glory dwells, the more you radiate inside and out the glory of God! What an incredible thought!

Response

God is Jehovah. But he is also Jehovah Kahbodi, my glory. Not for my sake, but for His sake. Do you want God to be your glory? Do you want God’s glory to be displayed in this earth through your life? We sing songs like we believe it. Do you?

Song: To God be the glory great things he has done. So loved he the world that he gave us his son.

Song: to God Be The Glory (My Tribute) To God be the glory, to God be the glory, To God be the glory for the things he has done. With his blood he has saved us, with his power he has raised us, to God be the glory for the things he has done.

If you want to be filled with the glory of God and for God to be your Jehovah Kahbodi, then here is a great response. [Both of these instructions come directly from the Bible.]

Open your heart to the King of glory!

Psalm 24:7–8 – “Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.”

God calls us doors that need to let the King of Glory into our life. Is God your glory? Have you opened the door of your heart so that he can enter in and forgive you of your sins and set your feet on the rock. Are you ready to let the King of Glory into your life? You can do that today. It is an important decision that nobody else can make for you. And all it requires is surrender and a simple acknowledgement that lets him into your life as your Lord and Savior. If you are ready for that today, today God can be your Jehovah Kahbodi.

2. Declare God’s glory to the nations!

1 Chronicles 16:24 – “Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples.” There is nobody like the Lord. If we want His glory to change lives, change communities, and change the world, then we need to declare it to people. The good news is too important to keep to ourselves. We must let others know. We must declare his glory among the nations, among the people. God is good! His glory is all around! If everyone could only experience and know him as their Jehovah Kahbodi, the world would be a better place. Lord, let it be!

Closing prayer of response

Optional ending after prayer:

In modern day Hebrew, they say “Kol HaKavod.” Which translates literally to “All the Glory”, meaning, “Congratulations! Good job!” If you have given your life to Jesus, I humbly say, “All the Glory” Congratulations! Great job! We rejoice with you, And not only us, but the angels in heaven, too.

Closing Song: All Glory Be To Christ