Shekinah is never mentioned in the Bible. But it does portray the essence, as best as words can, of God’s magnificent glory. Among other things, it means ‘the glory of the divine presence, conventionally represented as light or interpreted symbolically’. Also, ‘dwelling or setting’. For instance, the Bible mentions several places where the presence of God was felt and experienced as a Shekinah. The burning bush, the cloud that rested on Mount Sinai, a cloud or pillar of fire that went with Israel for 40 years across the wilderness. It is also understood to be present in the Tabernacle and in the Temple in Jerusalem and tobe seated at the right hand of God.
Research would show that there are approximately 46 Bible verses about glory. One of my favorite Psalms really captures the essence of the glory of God in the world, in his creation. Psalm 19, to me, best illustrates how we experience God’s glory every single moment of our lives, that is while we’re awake. “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world” (Vss. 1-4a). Creation is speaking of his glory all day long. We see it, and we hear it. We actually experience it.
The Spirit through Paul in Romans reveals that no one has an excuse for not seeing his glory. It’s all right there before all of us in living color. “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature (glory), have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse” (Rom. 1.19,20).
Read and meditate on these few verses. They refer to his glory being transferred to us. We have been justified by his blood, we are being sanctified by the Spirit and we will be glorified (in Christ) in all eternity.
“But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head”
(Psa. 3.3).
“What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with such patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory” (Rom. 9.22,23).
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2 Cor. 3.18).
When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Col. 3.4).
And look intently at the purpose for which Christ came, suffered, died and was resurrected for this blessed moment in eternity. You and I will be a part of this. Get ready. It’s coming!
“And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2.8-11).
See, it’s all about the Father’s Shekinah Glory. And as my friend, John Maisel, has always reminded me and others…“Bill, don’t mess with God’s glory”.