Full of Grace and Truth

What was it that John was referring to when he told us that “The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory …”? Was it the amazing miracles that Jesus did? Of course it cannot be denied that the things He did was something only God could do and therefore there was glory to be witnessed in those miraculous acts. Was it when He was transfigured before them in the mount where he, and two other of the Lord’s disciples saw something glorious happen to the Lord Jesus’ appearance? There is no denying that this was something spectacular as well!

Or was it something quiet, hidden in plain sight, but only noticeable by those with eyes to see? Something to do with His character maybe? John goes on to tell us that the Word was “full of grace and truth.”

The writer to the Hebrews tells us that our beloved Lord was “the brightness of [God’s] glory, and the express image of his person.” Hebrews 1: 3. Everything that God wanted to communicate to mankind was expressed in the Person of His beloved Son. As He interacted with people from all spectrums of life, He operated in the character of God. His love and compassion, His mercy and perseverance, and even firmness and authority were all the well balanced characteristics of God Himself. He was truly full of “grace and truth”!

When John penned: “we beheld his glory”, he was telling us that the Lord’s disciples and other close followers were eye witnesses of the wonders and beauties of His sweet character. Today we have the unspeakable privilege of beholding His glory as well as we read the inspired Word of God.

But here is something truly wonderful: Our Lord specifically mentions in His prayer of His glory in relation to those who believe on Him: “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one.” John 17: 22. When each of us were born of God we became partakers of the Lord’s character. God has been working on us daily to conform us to His image, because He wants us to be like the One in whom is all His delight. We could say that family resemblance is of great importance to Him!

The Lord Jesus petitioned His Father for just one thing for Himself: “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me …” John 17: 24. He longs for us to be with Him, and our hearts long for the day when we hear the call of our heavenly Bridegroom to: “Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.” Song of Solomon 2: 10.

In the very presence of our beloved, when faith gives way to sight; we will not only be with Him, but “we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” 1 John 3: 2. Everything around us in this troubled world in which we live reminds us that it won’t be long now. It may even be … Perhaps Today!

(Excerpt from family Newsletter for your encouragement)