The Joy of Glory

Isaiah 53 (click here)
…he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. (Isaiah 53:2b)

Reflection
Do you desire Jesus?

I hope the answer to that question is a resounding, “YES!” …but…the real question is, “Why do you desire Jesus?”

It surprises most people to find learn that Scripture describes Jesus as being average looking… just a normal guy. Most paintings and films portray him quite differently, as the ideal physical, male specimen.

Yet, God ensured that there would be nothing about Jesus’ outward appearance that would cause people to desire him. They needed to want Jesus for Jesus…and not for some other surface, superficial reason.

Today, we may not be able to look upon Jesus’ physical appearance, but people still want Jesus for all sorts of surface, superficial reasons.

Many people “desire” Jesus because of things they believe they can get from him. They think, “Jesus will bless me financially, or relationally, or with good health.” At the end of the day, they don’t really desire Jesus…he is just a means to something else. Jesus is “majestic” or “beautiful” to them for all sorts of materialistic reasons.

But the true majesty and beauty of Jesus isn’t because of WHAT he can get us…it’s because of WHO he is! Therefore, even if I lose wealth, health and relationships…I still gain as long as I have Jesus!

He may not appear majestic or beautiful by the world’s standards, but there will truly never be one of greater majesty and beauty than Jesus Christ!

*All previous devotionals may be found at www.thejoyofglory.com

*The complete SVCC Lenten reading guide is available here.