In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God . . . 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 1:1-2, 14 (ESV)
The glory of God is everything that makes God, God; that is his character and attributes. So, everything that God is was poured into flesh, specifically a baby who grew to be a man full of grace and truth. We know him as Jesus, the Son of God the Father.
Though John, who wrote the gospel verses above, and others saw the glory of God the Son face to face, we too can see his glory. Our seeing may not be in the flesh, but each time we read the Scriptures and spend time in prayer and worship we have the opportunity to see God’s glory if we are looking. If reading God’s word, prayer and worship become mechanical and we just hurry through it to fulfill our duty, then it’s doubtless we will see and savor the glory of God. Yet, if we take the time to let the light of God shine in our hearts we will see the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
The apostle Paul wrote, For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6 ESV) If we would see God’s glory, we need not look any further than Jesus Christ. Jesus is the image of God (2 Corinthians 4:4).
When we really see the glory of God in the face of Jesus it will change us. In fact, we will be changed into that same image a little each time we behold it; from one degree of glory to another. Paul wrote to the Corinthian believers, 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 ESV)
When we see Jesus at his second coming the glory of our mortal bodies will be changed into the glory of an immortal body (1 Corinthians 15:51-53) and we will be like Jesus because we will see him as he is. John wrote in his epistle, Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2 ESV)
Peter wrote, Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:8-9 ESV) The inexpressible joy we experience at this present time from loving, believing and beholding the glory of Christ will be greatly magnified in the next life. And for eternity we will have an exceeding abundance of joy as we behold the glory of God the Father and the Son.
Do you spend time beholding? Do you look forward to seeing Christ face to face?
Scriptures for meditation:
John 17:24
1 Corinthians 15:40, 42
Hebrews 1:3