That Will Be Glory

Growing up on a farm near Wilton, Iowa, Charles Gabriel constantly thought about music. Taught the truths of the Bible from his earliest years, his mind had been stirred by its stories.

Born on this day in 1856, he frequently sang in the family’s church. Self-motivated, he even taught himself to play the family’s organ. Combining his musical talent with his love of God, Gabriel would go on to write more than 8,000 hymns and become an influential composer.

Some compositions were inspired by people he knew. One was Ed Card, superintendent of a rescue mission in St. Louis. Known for his enthusiastic spirit, Card often ended his prayers with, “And that will be glory for me!” That became the title of a hymn Gabriel wrote in 1900.

Reflecting on this perspective, he knew that others gloried in their resources or accomplishments. But for the believer, the real glory will be when we are in Jesus’ presence. That will be a moment “when all my labors and trials are over, and I am safe on that beautiful shore.” When we can be “near the dear Lord I adore.”

How wonderful it will be just to “look on His face.” To have the joy of fellowshiping throughout eternity with friends: “Joy like a river around me will flow; yet just a smile from my Savior, I know, will through the ages be glory for me.”

How easily we can be consumed with the things of this world. The problems. The pressures. The worries. How wonderful to think about all that Jesus has done for us! To realize that He has gone to prepare a place for us (John 14:2). That we will spend eternity with Him!