 As I continue to journey through Romans, I came across Romans 1:22-23. It reads, "Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the Immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles."
The 'glory of Immortal God' is what is rejected in this verse. What does the Bible say about the 'glory of the Immortal God'? Here are just a few references: Exodus 15:11, Psalm 19:1, Psalm 72:19, Isaiah 6:3, Isaiah 48:11 and Revelation 21:23. Each of these verses speak of the glory of God as awesome, light and filling the earth. The word 'glory' is defined as splendor or bright. Those who reject God are rejecting His beauty and majesty and worshiping images. I look at this verse and think of the ocean. One of my favorite vacation destinations is anywhere ending with the word 'beach' (Myrtle Beach, Daytona Beach, Virginia Beach, etc.). How silly would it be for me to take one week off from work, drive to Florida, sit in a hotel with a picture (image) of the ocean hanging on the wall and never actually place one foot on the sandy shores? Yes, it would be silly. When we enjoy the pleasures of sin, we are ultimately rejecting the source of Life. We do not simply reject the joys of our Creator, but we are rejecting our Creator Himself. We are saying 'No' to the One who created us and gave His Son so we could know know Him. We are also rejecting His Son, Christ Jesus who 'is the radiance of His glory' -- Hebrews 1:3 -- and seek pleasure from images. On the other hand, when we through the power of the Holy Spirit, reject sin and seek the 'glory of the Immortal God', we are filled with His presence. Our Father is with us and will never leave us or forsake us. Psalm 16:11 says, "You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand." Do you find yourself regularly seeking pleasure apart from God? Colossians 3:1, "Since, then, you have been raise with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God." As believers, we can enjoy the 'glory of the Immortal God', the True Source of joy.
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