The Glory ,and the Power.

For Jesus to be identified with the shekinah (the glory of God) was to be equated with the presence of God Himself. In Jesus we see the full manifestation of the majesty of God.

The book of James has an unusual sentence construction that links the word glory with the name of Jesus: “My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality” (James 2:1). In this verse the words Lord of glory have alternate renditions. Some translations read, “Our glorious Lord.” Still another possible translation reads, “Jesus Christ, who is the glory.”

According to the Old Testament, the shekinah was the visible manifestation of the invisible God. The shekinah was a radiant cloud or brilliant light within a cloud that signaled the immediate presence of God. For Jesus to be identified with the shekinah was to be equated with the presence of God Himself. In Jesus we see the full manifestation of the majesty of God.

That the New Testament writers ascribed glory to Jesus was a clear indication of their confession of His full deity. Glory, in the sense it is used with reference to Jesus, is a divine attribute. It is the glory of God that He refuses to share with any man.

The glory and power of Jesus are profound and awe-inspiring. Let’s explore some biblical insights:

Hebrews 1:3 describes Jesus as the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature. He upholds all things by the word of His power. After purifying sins, He ascended to the right hand of the Majesty on high.

In Luke 2:9, an angel appeared to shepherds, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, filling them with awe and fear.

John 11:40 records Jesus saying, "Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?".

When Philip asked Jesus to show them the Father, Jesus replied, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” in John 14:8-91.

Acts 7:55 tells us that Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

John 1:14 beautifully states that "the Word became flesh, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth".

In John 17:24, Jesus prayed that those given to Him would see His glory, a love that existed even before the foundation of the world.

Hebrews 2:9 acknowledges Jesus, who was briefly lower than the angels due to His suffering, but was crowned with glory and honor by God’s grace, tasting death for everyone.

2 Peter 1:16-17 emphasizes that the apostles were eyewitnesses of Jesus’ majesty and the honor and glory bestowed upon Him by God the Father.

In John 12:23, Jesus declared, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified” as He approached His crucifixion.

Later in John 12:27-33, Jesus prayed for God’s name to be glorified, and a voice from heaven confirmed it.

Jesus embodies both the glory of God and the power to transform lives, cleanse sins, and offer eternal hope. His life, death, and resurrection reveal the depth of God’s love and grace.

How does Jesus' power impact our lives today?

Jesus’ power continues to impact our lives in profound ways even today. Let’s explore some of the ways His power is relevant:

Salvation and Forgiveness: Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross provides forgiveness for our sins. Through faith in Him, we receive salvation, eternal life, and reconciliation with God. His power to redeem and transform lives is available to all who believe.

Spiritual Transformation: The Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised to send, empowers believers. His power enables us to overcome sin, grow in character, and exhibit the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control).

Healing and Miracles: Jesus performed miraculous healings during His earthly ministry. Today, His power continues to bring physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Many experience His touch through prayer, medical interventions, and supernatural interventions.

Comfort and Hope: Jesus’ power comforts those who mourn, suffer, or face challenges. His presence brings hope even in the darkest moments. Believers find strength to endure trials, knowing that Jesus is with them.

Victory Over Evil: Jesus defeated sin, death, and Satan through His resurrection. His power enables us to resist temptation, overcome evil, and live victoriously. We can stand firm against spiritual attacks.
Unity and Community: Jesus’ power unites diverse believers into one body—the Church. His love transcends cultural, racial, and social boundaries. We experience His power when we love and serve one another.

Purpose and Calling: Jesus empowers us with spiritual gifts and talents. His power equips us to fulfill our unique purpose in God’s kingdom. Whether teaching, serving, leading, or showing compassion, we impact others through His strength.

Bold Witness: The early disciples received power from the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Today, believers are empowered to share the gospel fearlessly. Jesus’ power emboldens us to be His witnesses in our communities and beyond.

Prayer: Jesus’ power is accessible through prayer. When we pray in His name, we tap into His authority. Miracles, guidance, and transformation occur as we align our hearts with His will.

Eternal Hope: Jesus’ power extends beyond this life. He conquered death, assuring believers of resurrection and eternal life. Our hope rests in His promise to return and establish His kingdom.

Jesus’ power impacts our lives through salvation, transformation, healing, hope, victory, community, purpose, witness, prayer, and the assurance of eternity. As we yield to His power, we experience abundant life and become vessels of His love and grace.