In the Old Testament, oftentimes the glory of God was concealed and feared. God’s glory was hidden in clouds, fire, the tabernacle, the temple, and in shrouded theophanies. It was feared as the “devouring fire,” the judgment against sin, and no man could look upon His holiness without dying. But for those who knew God, their mission was to praise the God of glory and see His glory through all of creation. God’s glory was manifested through His work, salvation, victory, and presence with His people.

There were also glimpses of a future glory that God was preparing to unleash. A glory of salvation, victory, God’s presence with “all nations” that would “fill the earth.” Many Jewish leaders speculated what this glory would look like in battle: God destroying Greece, Persia, or Rome, and taking vengeance on the earth.

But God’s glory came, not hidden or feared. It arrived lowly and humble in a manger. And though it came without riches and wonder, it was the most significant display of God’s glory that the world has ever seen.

Read this excerpt from Eerdmans Bible Dictionary out loud as you consider God’s glory fully displayed in Christ. And review the passages to hear directly from God’s Word:

“Jesus’ glory preexisted with the Father (John 17:24; cf. 1:1). It is revealed through Jesus’ works (John 17:4) as full of grace and truth (John 1:14), signs (Gk. sēmeía) inviting belief (John 2:11; 11:4, 40). The cross is the culminating sign, the hour of Christ’s glorification (John 12:23). God glorifies Jesus in his resurrection (John 13:31–32; cf. 1 Pet. 1:21),and continues to do so through the work of the spirit (John 16:14). Christ was raised by God’s glory (Rom. 6:4), now shares in glory, which is his by perfect obedience (3:23ff.). Indeed, he is “the Lord of glory” (1 Cor. 2:8). With God, Christ now dispenses the riches of his glory (Phil. 4:19; cf. Eph. 3:16). Through him and his gospel God’s glory is seen (2 Cor. 4:6); and through him glory is returned to God (Rom. 16:27)… Jesus is the 'man' of Ps. 8:4–6 (Mt 5–7) whom God has crowned with glory and honor because of his vicarious suffering (Heb. 2:6–9).

God is glorified through Jesus (1 Pet. 4:11; Jude 24–25). He is glory’s 'lamp' (Rev. 21:23), the reflection of glory, showing the true character of God (Heb. 1:3; cf. 2 Cor. 4:4). Therefore, people glorify God for Jesus’ miraculous works (Luke 18:43), and especially for his work of atonement (Rev. 7:9–12; cf. 1:5–6). The Church’s doxologies return glory to God for his wisdom (Rom. 11:33–36), strengthening power (16:25–27), and deliverance from sins (Gal. 1:4–5; 2 Tim. 4:18)."

|| Myers, A. C. (1987). In The Eerdmans Bible dictionary (pp. 420–421). Eerdmans.

Pastor Caleb