Are you amazed by the glorious magnificence and power of God? God can feel abstract to us. Mediating on God’s perfections, such as his glory, helps us worship and know him better. Our contemplations do not require us to empty our minds but to seek truth and consider it deeply. We see God’s attributes throughout the Scriptures. They are like facets of a diamond—his goodness, mercy, sovereignty, wisdom, immutability, eternal nature, and providence—each as stunning as the next. 

I’ll never forget the day I visited the Cliffs of Moher on the west coast of Ireland—breathtaking precipices towering over the vast, wild Atlantic. A chilly breeze carried mist off the ocean. The haunting Irish tunes from a nearby busker’s pennywhistle. Awesome. Unforgettable. A painting, photo, or video could never capture the moment. These words fail.

You’ve undoubtedly had your own “I’ll never forget the day” moments. We marvel at the world’s spectacles, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Grand Canyon to the Giant’s Causeway. From Uluru to Table Mountain. From Everest to the Amazon. David, the king of old, sang of the majesty of the natural realm in Psalm 19. He marveled at how creation pointed to its Creator and proclaimed his handiwork. When we experience an awe-inspiring panorama or constellation, it is a hint, spark, or glimpse of the glory of God.

A Divine Revelation

A few privileged souls have seen divine earthly splendours—and been eyewitnesses of God’s glory. Imagine the overwhelming wonder Peter, James, and John felt when they experienced the transfiguration (Lk 9:28–36). They had gone up the mountain to pray. Jesus was metamorphosed before their eyes. At the time, they were terrified. Dread filled them. They had a peek into the nature of the afterlife—Jesus discussing his imminent crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension with two super-prophets who had returned from life beyond death. Never in their wildest dreams did they expect to hear the voice of Yahweh (the LORD) and live.

Jesus’ face blazed like the sun. His clothes dazzled like lightning. It is no wonder they were awestruck. Decades later, John wrote of what they had seen on that mountain—the brilliant radiance surrounding God’s presence (John 1:14, 1 John 1)[1]. Peter marveled that they were witnesses of Jesus’ majesty (2 Pet 1:16–18). Towards the end of the first century, Jesus appeared in glory to the exiled aged John (Rev 1:13–16). The apostle’s prophetic vision chronicles how Christ will return in grandeur to judge the living and the dead.

 Are You Amazed by the Glory of God?

When we consider these narratives, we are humbled by the glory of God.

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