Jesus, the expression of God’s glory
O Zion, messenger of good news, shout from the mountaintops! Shout it louder, O Jerusalem. Shout, and do not be afraid. Tell the towns of Judah, “Your God is coming!” Yes, the Sovereign Lord is coming in power. He will rule with a powerful arm. See, he brings his reward with him as he comes. He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young. Isaiah 40:9-11 NLT
God’s promises are infallible. All will come into fulfillment so His glory will be magnified. God’s glory is the burning radiance and blazing beauty of His very nature. At Mount Sinai, Moses described God’s glory with these words; “the glory of the Lord appeared at the summit like a consuming fire” (Exodus 24:17). When Jesus was born, the shepherds saw “the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them” (Luke 2:9). John described Jesus himself as “the glory of the Father’s one and only Son” (John 1:14). In His transfiguration, the glory of God was unveiled (see Luke 9:28–36). But it was not only during those radiant events where God’s glory was manifested. Even when Jesus was hanging on the cross in shame, John and the rest of the disciples saw the glory of God (John 13:31). God’s glory was revealed in Jesus’ humility to obey the Father’s will all the way to His death on the cross. The cross of Christ humiliates all human pride. Though He died as a criminal inspite of the fact that He did not commit sin, yet when He returns, how different it will be for He will appear in awe-inspiring glory (Titus 2:13). Those that have committed themselves to God will be called to share in that glory of Christ when He returns (2 Thessalonians 2:14). Though while here on earth life of believers are filled with difficulties, such experiences will fail in comparison to the glory that awaits them (2 Corinthians 4:17). Isaiah provided a description that there will be a time where the glory of the Lord will be Himself becoming visible. God will display His beauty before us satisfying our deepest longings. This will come to pass for this is central in the promise of the gospel. This is why we shout the gospel louder and without shame for only in believing the gospel that people will see God’s glory. Nothing in this world will provide a sure hope for it will only be experienced by knowing Christ.
Blessings,
