The Joy of Glory

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Today’s devotional is authored by Allison Davis 

1 Timothy 3:16
Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

Reflection
Is anyone else aching for Easter?

I recently saw a Facebook post that said: “This is the Lentiest Lent I have ever Lented.”

I think we can agree.

While we can and should celebrate Christ’s Resurrection all the time, there is something special about Easter morning. The faithful gather and celebrate the most joyous event in all of human history: Jesus Christ is Risen and has defeated death and hell.

If you’re like me and you grew up in the church, it is easy to fall into “going through the motions” of Easter. We do the same thing every year. We hear the same story, read the same Scriptures… and while this defining event of our faith is indeed glorious, we’ve almost become used to it. It’s just another Easter.

1 Timothy 3:16 reminds us of the mystery, the almost absurdity, of Christ’s Godliness.

GOD WAS MANIFESTED IN THE FLESH. Let me say that again. God became human, died, rose FROM THE DEAD by the Spirit, and has since been preached and believed throughout the world.

Wow. And this was God’s plan from the beginning.

Do you ever meditate on the beauty of Christ’s work on the cross? Do you contemplate what it would mean if Christ hadn’t rose from the dead? Or does Easter no longer excite you?

Join me today in considering the mystery of godliness. Jesus could’ve come as a king, but he came as a kid. He could’ve conquered through military power, but he conquered through dying. He could’ve left you and I to the fate we sinners deserve, but he stood in our place and took our punishment. May we never let the old, old story grow stale in our hearts. This is the reason we have hope, friends. This is how we are victorious. Let us read my late grandfather’s favorite hymn:

“I heard an old, old story,
How a Savior came from glory,
How He gave His life on Calvary
To save a wretch like me;
I heard about His groaning,
Of His precious blood’s atoning,
Then I repented of my sins
And won the victory.”

O victory in Jesus,
My Savior, forever.
He sought me and bought me
With His redeeming blood;
He loved me ere I knew Him
And all my love is due Him,
He plunged me to victory,
Beneath the cleansing flood.”

*All previous devotionals may be found at www.thejoyofglory.com
*The complete SVCC Lenten reading guide is available here.