for what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 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 4:5-6]
we have seen his glory.
we all long to see the power of God displayed. as i see in genesis, the God who spoke all things into being, and in exodus, the God who delivered his people from the egyptians by parting the red sea, or in leviticus, the God who sent fire from the tent of meeting to consume a pleasing sacrifice, i imagine these same strange signs and wonders happening around me today, causing all those who see to bow to the holy God of glory. i long to see his glory displayed.
but this passage in corinthians tells us that as God’s redeemed children, we have each seen the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. he is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. after making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, [hebrews 1:1-3]
God has been showing his glory to man since the beginning of time. through creation, through the law, through the prophets, he has been showing man his glory. but man could not see God’s glory perfectly until God communicated it perfectly, through his Son, the God-man, Jesus Christ. when our eyes are opened to Jesus and we realize who he is and believe what he has done, that he came and lived sinlessly, died sacrificially, and rose victoriously to conquer sin and death for us, we can look back and see his hand working all throughout history. we see him at creation alongside the Father making all things. we see him in the law and prophets guiding his people, fighting their battles, speaking his love, and calling them to holy dedication. we see him on the cross, making purification for sins, the final sacrifice fulfilling the law. then looking ahead, we see him sitting in glory and majesty, having won his bride, and having made all things new, surrounded by myriads of worshipers, forever and ever.
yes, we have all seen the glory of God.
this glory has shone in our hearts, not for us to sit idly. no, we are called as servants to proclaim this glory to the ends of the earth! from neighborhoods to nations, this light of glory should be pouring from our lips, communicated in our thoughts and desires, and demonstrated in our actions. with no qualification but a believing heart and willing spirit, we urge others to seek the Lord as we do.
so when the Lord says to his people, “whom shall i send, and who will go for us?” are you willing to say, “here i am! send me.”?
~ arwen eastman