12-28-19 Today in the Word

Who is this Jesus?
LORD OF GLORY
Saturday, December 28, 2019 | 1 Corinthians 2:6–13

When we say something is “glorious” we mean it is spectacular, amazingly beautiful, almost defying description. The English word “glory” has its origin in the French gloire (c. 1200) meaning “the splendor of God or Christ.” It refers to the honor we give a person of great renown or fame. Jesus is the Lord of Glory, both kingly and divine (Ps. 24:7–10). The Hebrew word for glory refers to brightness, splendor, magnificence, or majesty. What a stark contrast to His death on the cross!
Paul says the gospel is a mystery that was previously hidden (v. 7). Why? Because if the powers of evil, both human and supernatural, had understood God’s plan, “they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (v. 8). Since by Him we are saved, we, too, are part of this mystery. The resurrected Christ proved to be truly God. And one day the entire “earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord” (Hab. 2:14).
You and I were destined to share Christ’s glory from eternity past (1 Cor. 2:7; Rom. 8:17; 2 Thess. 2:14). The blessings of salvation are such that no one has ever seen anything like them and no imagination can reach the heights of what “God has prepared for those who love him” (v. 9). Our eternal future is certainly glorious!
The Spirit of God has revealed what was previously hidden and inconceivable: God sent His own Son to become a man, die for the sins of the world, bring in the Gentiles, and make eternal life possible for all who believe (vv. 10–12). We have seen this glory! By this same Spirit, we’re empowered to preach the wisdom of the gospel to a foolish world (vv. 6, 13; 1 Cor. 1:20–25).
APPLY THE WORD
Is your list growing? What new things have you learned about Christ this month? Take time to review your list and highlight one or two truths that stand out for you. How has learning more about Jesus changed the way you will live for Him? And, as you reflect on today’s reading, add this note to your list: His glory, not mine!
PRAY WITH US
We thank our glorious Lord today for laying aside His heavenly glory to become a servant, for clothing Himself in complete humility. And our prayer is that He will teach us to turn away from pride, jealousy, and vain ambition and make us ready to serve one another.

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