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John 1:14-18
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can download our service on iTunes or tune in for “The Good Word” each day on AM 1230 WSAL or on Hoosier Country 103.7 FM just after 8am.
- GOD’S GLORY IS RELATED! John’s purpose in writing his gospel is so people may believe Jesus is the Christ, The Son of God, and that believing people can have eternal life in His name. (John 20:31). In fact this is the theme of all John writes. John is focusing on the glory of Jesus in our focal verses. The word John uses comes from the word used in the OT and is translated Shekinah. Shekinah is most accurately translated “God’s presence with them.” If you read Isa. 7:14, then Matt. 1:20-23 you see how John continues to make the connection that the God of the Old Testament and Jesus Christ are One in the same. The glory the people saw from God in the OT is the same glory seen in Jesus as He moves among His people. We read in Luke 2:8, 9 Jesus’ divine glory was manifest when He came to earth. That glory was manifested in its fullness at the transfiguration! Notice also,
- GOD’S GLORY IS REVEALED! Did you ever wonder why some people never seem to “get it” where Jesus is concerned; while others can hardly think of Jesus without bowing their hearts in humble adoration? Author J. P. Lang and P. Schaff say, “faith lifts the veil of Christ’s humanity and worships His divine glory, while to unbelief He is a mere man.” One would think when Light is given to those in darkness, they would come running. Always in Scripture “light” is ultimately God’s righteousness. When people desire sin more than they desire righteousness they run from the light in favor of darkness. When God’s Light exposes sin and sinfulness the only thing sin can do is run and hide because it hates the Light! So, where are you in your life when it comes to God’s Light? Do you run to it in grateful adoration for the salvation it brought to you; or do you run and hide from it because you like sin more than righteousness? Now notice
- GOD’S GLORY IS REPLETE! (Well-filled or plentifully supplied) It is interesting to see John is the only writer who uses the name One and Only for Jesus. It emphasizes that Jesus is the only born One of God! It is also used in Gen. 22:3, 12 of Isaac. Notice also how this glory came to us. John tells us it came “full of grace and truth.” God can do no other than full! He is a God of completion and He never allows us to get by with just enough! All God does to us, for us, and even through us He does in full! John uses the word “grace” here and in verses 16 and 17 then doesn’t use it again in his gospel! In all three instances “grace” finds its origin in God and its perfect manifestation in Christ! Truth appears often throughout the gospel. Only here are the two used together in revealing the divine nature as it relates to Mankind. Grace demands truth or else it isn’t grace! So the question is have you beheld the Shekinah glory of the One and Only? Are you aware of God’s presence with you every day all day? You know don’t you! If we can help you answer your spiritual questions, call us at (574) 643-9419.
