February 7

Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud of smoke by day and a glowing flame of fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a canopy, — Isa 4:5 BSB

The glory of the Lord is His presence in the soul, symbolized by the cloud, just as when His glory filled the house of God built by Solomon. This glory, represented by the cloud and smoke by day and the flaming fire by night, is a defense over every dwelling in Mount Zion and its assemblies. But a defense against what? Primarily four things.

1. First, it is a defense against error. Anyone who knows the presence and power of God in their soul, or has seen the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, cannot embrace error. Error is opposed not only to God's truth as revealed in Scripture, but also to God's presence as revealed in the heart. This applies to both individuals and churches. God never blesses error, whether held by ministers or laypeople, because He only blesses His truth and those who hold it. As Scripture says, "Those who honor me I will honor." This is critical because you will hear people who hold erroneous views claiming they know spiritual things by divine teaching, boasting of their spiritual experiences, even though they twist God's truth into a lie.

Don’t be deceived by them. They’ve merely created their own light by sparks of their own making, walking in their own fire. The Spirit of truth leads into all truth and never endorses or blesses error. Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them through your truth—your word is truth.” A soul is never sanctified by a lie, nor is a heart truly comforted by error.

2. Second, this glory is a defense against all evil. Nothing reveals the true nature of sin like the presence of the Lord. In His presence, we know Him as infinitely pure and holy, and a holy God must hate sin. When we sense His presence, we are protected from sins that might otherwise entangle us when His presence isn’t so powerfully felt.

3. Third, it is a defense against temptations that would lead us away from God and godliness.

4. Fourth, it is a defense against enemies. You may have many enemies, both external and internal, but none can harm you if the Lord’s presence fills your soul. His glory will protect you from every attack. God is fiercely protective of what His Spirit and grace have placed in your heart, and His presence is the best defense against every enemy and every fear.