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Beloved, today we focus on Jesus as the radiance of God’s glory. The book of Hebrews gives us a powerful picture. It says, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word” (Hebrews 1:3). This truth shapes how you see heaven, how you see salvation, and how you live every day.
When you look at Jesus Christ, you see the glory of God. You do not need to guess who God is. You do not need to imagine his nature. God has made himself known. He has spoken through his Son. This is not only a doctrine. It is a living reality. God wants you to know him personally, clearly, and deeply.
In the Old Testament, God revealed his glory in many ways. He appeared to Moses in the burning bush. He filled the temple with his presence. He led Israel by a pillar of cloud and fire. Yet those were partial revelations. They were shadows. They prepared the way for something greater. When Jesus came, the glory of God came in human form. John 1:14 says, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory.” This glory was not hidden in fire or cloud. It walked among people. It healed the sick. It forgave sins. It taught truth. It showed mercy.
The word “radiance” means light that shines out. It is not borrowed light. It is not reflected light. It is the source of light. Jesus does not only reflect God’s glory. He is the shining of that glory. When the sun rises, you do not see the sun separate from its light. The light reveals the sun. In the same way, Jesus reveals God. If you want to know God’s heart, look at Jesus. If you want to know God’s will, listen to Jesus. If you want to know God’s love, watch how Jesus treated people.
This truth gives you confidence. Many people struggle with doubt. They ask, “Does God love me? Is God near? Is God for me?” The life of Jesus answers these questions. He touched the leper. He welcomed children. He ate with sinners. He restored the broken. These actions show the heart of God. God is not distant. God is not harsh. God is full of compassion. When you see Jesus on the cross, you see the depth of God’s love. Romans 5:8 says, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
The radiance of God’s glory also shows his holiness. Jesus lived a pure life. He resisted temptation. He obeyed the Father. He spoke truth without fear. His life calls you to holiness. You cannot claim to know God and continue in sin. Light exposes darkness. When Jesus enters your life, hidden sin cannot remain. This is why some people reject him. They love darkness. Yet those who desire truth run to the light. John 3:21 says, “Whoever lives by the truth comes into the light.”
You must allow this light to transform your character. The glory of God is not only something you admire. It is something that changes you. Second Corinthians 3:18 says, “We all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image.” As you fix your eyes on Jesus, your thoughts change. Your words change. Your habits change. Your priorities change. You become more patient. You become more loving. You become more faithful.
The radiance of God’s glory also brings power. Hebrews says he sustains all things by his powerful word. This means your life is not held together by your strength. It is held together by his word. When your faith is weak, he sustains you. When your body is tired, he sustains you. When your mind is troubled, he sustains you. This truth removes fear. You are not alone. The one who created the universe holds your life.
Many believers live in anxiety because they forget this. They focus on problems. They focus on threats. They focus on the future. Yet the same Jesus who calmed the storm still speaks today. He says, “Peace, be still.” When you trust him, peace enters your heart. You do not deny challenges. You trust the one who is greater.
The radiance of God’s glory also means authority. Jesus is above angels, kings, and powers. Hebrews 1:8 says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever.” He reigns now. This gives you boldness in prayer. You do not pray to a weak savior. You pray to the King. You can bring your needs, your fears, and your dreams. He hears. He answers. He rules.
This truth also calls you to worship. Worship is your response to glory. When you see who Jesus is, your heart cannot remain cold. You praise. You sing. You surrender. Worship is not only music. It is your daily life. Romans 12:1 says, “Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice.” Your work, your speech, your relationships, your decisions become acts of worship.
The radiance of God’s glory also gives hope. This world is broken. There is pain, injustice, and death. Yet the glory revealed in Jesus is a promise of restoration. One day, his glory will fill the earth. Revelation 21:23 says the city has no need of sun because the glory of God gives it light. This is your future. Suffering will not last. Darkness will end. Light will reign.
You must live with this hope. Do not build your life only on temporary things. Wealth fades. Fame fades. Power fades. The glory of God remains. Fix your heart on eternal things. Seek his kingdom. Invest in souls. Serve others. Love deeply.
This message also challenges your identity. If Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory, and you belong to him, you are called to reflect that glory. Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light shine before others.” Your life should point people to God. Your kindness should reveal his love. Your integrity should reveal his holiness. Your courage should reveal his power.
Ask yourself simple questions. Do people see the character of Jesus in you? Do your words bring life? Do your actions bring hope? Do your choices honor God? If not, return to the light. Spend time in prayer. Spend time in Scripture. Spend time in fellowship.
Finally, remember the cross. The greatest display of God’s glory was not in miracles. It was in sacrifice. At the cross, love and justice met. Mercy and truth met. Darkness tried to overcome light, but light triumphed. The resurrection proved that glory cannot be defeated.
Today, receive this truth. Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory. Trust him. Follow him. Worship him. Reflect him. Let his light guide your steps. Let his presence shape your life. Let his glory fill your heart.
May your faith grow stronger. May your hope grow brighter. May your love grow deeper. May your life shine with the glory of God. Amen.