Thin Air, High Hope

Lately, I’ve been delving into the book of Hebrews. In its opening paragraph, I came across this sentence: “The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God.”

The concept of “God’s glory” had me pondering. What does that phrase truly signify?

I found insight through other literary references to “glory.” Phrases like “her hair was her glory,” “the glories of Paris shone brightly,” and “the train has been restored to all its former glory” offered a point of reference. Glory, or something to take pride, respect, or delight in, is, as Webster puts it, “a special cause for pride, respect, or delight.” (I’m aware this is just scratching the surface of the concept of God’s glory, but it was enough to spark the thoughts below.)

So, I began contemplating God and Jesus. God sent Jesus as the perfect representation of Himself. The Creator of the Universe, existing beyond space and time, ingeniously “packaged” Himself in Jesus, allowing Him to more fully convey His character to humanity.

What intrigues me most, what profoundly moves my heart, is the form God chose, the form in which He would “glory” or take delight.

Then [Jesus] poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” (John 13:5)

Out of all the forms He could have chosen, He reached out His hand to touch the untouchable. He came to comfort the shamed in their tears. He knelt before us and washed our filthy feet. My mind can scarcely fathom why He chose such humility.

William Barclay, in his commentary on Hebrews, articulates it perfectly:
“…we see with astonishing clarity that the glory of God doesn’t lie in crushing people and reducing them to abject servitude, but in serving them, loving them, and ultimately dying for them. It’s not the glory of overwhelming power but the glory of enduring love.”

“It’s not the glory of overwhelming power but the glory of enduring love.” This transforms my perspective.

My performance-based, guilt-ridden self often approaches prayer with dread and shame. I fall short in many ways of being the person I should be in Christ. However, when I contemplate God, in ALL His glory, choosing the path of gentleness, mercy, and love in His approach to us, rather than condemnation and anger, I’m reminded that He isn’t waiting to punish me.

He’s the gentle husband comforting his wife when she feels inadequate once more. He’s the loving father reassuring his children of his love even in their worst and most bewildering moments. Astonishingly, it’s in these moments of recalling His love, His character, rather than my moments of harsh self-criticism or self-condemnation, that I find strength, relief, and often a better way forward.

I wish I could declare that I live in this perspective every day. I’d love to say that I revel in God’s grace and that self-condemnation has no place in my life. Unfortunately, I fall short in my walk with God in this regard. I take solace in Paul’s declaration:

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” (Philippians 3:12)

I believe that God wants me (and all of us) to live as people deeply and profoundly loved. Fully comprehending this truth remains a challenge, which is a significant reason why I wanted to write this post. Perhaps, by putting it into words and having it in writing, I can read it repeatedly, allowing it to gradually sink in. Maybe then, I’ll be better equipped to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Curious…

•If you find yourself struggling with a “guilty” conscience for any reason in your spiritual journey, how could embracing the idea of God’s glory as “suffering love” potentially provide you with a fresh outlook?