Seeing God’s Glory, part 2
God is continually pulling back the curtain on His glory, but it’s difficult to notice it in our everyday life, unless we know what we’re looking for. We saw a few examples of God’s glory gradually being revealed in the Old Testament last week, but now we step behind the veil through the person of Jesus Christ.
God’s glory in person:
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 1:14.
Jesus’ identity and character flesh out God’s glory.
After Jesus turned water to wine, John wrote, “This, the first of His signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested His glory. And His disciples believed in Him.”
John 2:11
In speaking of Lazarus’s sickness, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”
John 11:4
Jesus’ miracles show God’s glory and point to Christ as Savior.
“And as [Jesus] was praying, the appearance of his face was altered and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold two men were talking with him, Moses, and Elijah, who appeared in glory…Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him.”
Luke 9:29-32
Jesus’ transfiguration displays God’s glory.
God’s glory internalized:
“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”
Romans 6:4
The glory of the Father raised Jesus and gives us new life in Him.
“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 Corinthians 3:18
The Holy Spirit reveals greater degrees of God’s glory in us as we become like Christ.
God’s glory in the future:
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Romans 8:18
God’s glory outweighs suffering.
“And the 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. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it.” Revelation 21:23,24
“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.” Habakkuk 2:14
God’s glory enlightens and consumes all other glories.
May we live today, not looking for our own glory, but rather with eyes of faith set on this guaranteed glorious future.
