No doubt you remember the story of shepherds visiting Mary, Joseph, and Jesus on the night he was born.
There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them (Luke 2:8-9 NIV, emphasis added).
An Angel’s Revelation to the Shepherds by Alexander Laureus (1815)
What do you suppose that glory looked like? Perhaps the immediate area glowed with a golden brilliance, as if lit with a high-powered spotlight.
But, of course, no such apparatus existed in that day. It’s no wonder the shepherds were terrified–between the sudden appearance of an angel and otherworldly light illuminating the darkness.
Decades later, Jesus invited three disciples—Peter, James, and John—up on a high mountain, where the men caught a brief glimpse of the glory of their Messiah (Luke 9:29). His clothes became dazzling white, as bright as a flash of lightning.
Luke also reported the appearance of his face changed, while Matthew and Mark said he was transfigured (Matthew 17:2; Mark 9:2). The Greek form of that word suggests a change of the essential form of Jesus rather than just an alteration of his outward appearance.
Transfiguration of Jesus by Carl Bloch (1800)
But all the disciples and many others saw Christ’s glory manifested in other ways too, including his miracles.
After relating the story of Jesus changing water into wine, John wrote, “What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory (John 2:11, emphasis added).
Further signs included his absolute purity, perfect wisdom, uniquely-inspired teachings, and finally, his astonishing resurrection and ascension.
But what about today? Can we see evidence of Christ’s glory, the splendor of his Personhood as our Emmanuel (God with us)?
As that question formed in my mind, I wondered, could I name ten categories of manifestations? How about fifteen?
If you have time, jot a list of your own thoughts before reading on. It might be interesting to see which of your categories match mine, and what different ones come to your mind.
Evidences of Christ’s glory in our lives include:
- Complete forgiveness (Hebrews 8:12)
- Undeserved mercy (Ephesians 2:4-5)
- Freedom from the power of sin, death, worry, and fear (Romans 8:1-2)
- Attentive care (1 Peter 5:7)
- Compassionate comfort (Isaiah 49:13)
- Competent help (Psalm 115:9)
- Holy wisdom (Colossians 2:3)
The list goes on:
- Trustworthy counsel (Psalm 73:24)
- Satisfying productivity (Philippians 1:10-11)
- Gracious generosity (Ephesians 1:3; 3:20)
- Special gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:1-11)
- Strong empowerment (Acts 1:8)
- Ever-active faithfulness (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24))
Eden, by Thomas Cole (1828)
Finally, evidence of Christ’s glory in our lives includes:
- Deep, restful peace (John 14:27)
- Complete joy (John 15:11)
- Enduring love (John 15:13)
- Beautifying presence (2 Corinthians 3:18)
- Resilient hope, which renews our strength (Colossians 1:27)
One day we will see Christ in all his glory—not only his human nature but his sublime splendor, majesty, holiness, and power.
“That glory will be a thousand times more than anything we can imagine!”*
*John Owen, Meditation on the Glory of Christ, 1684, Ch. 12)!
Now it’s your turn! Where have you seen evidence of Christ’s glory? Please share in the comment section below! And on your way there, be sure to sign up for the newsletter–if you haven’t already.
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