Yet We Missed His Brilliance

Text: John 1:14-34
Theme: The Son of God may be among us yet not recognizable to us.
Key verses: “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son” (v. 14). “John told them, ‘I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize” (v. 26). “‘I did not recognize him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.’ Then John testified, ‘I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him. I didn’t know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God” (v. 31-34).
What God said to me: There’s a pattern in the New Testament I want you to notice. There were a few in the New Testament who saw past the humanity of Jesus and recognized his brilliant deity. John saw it. Simeon and Anna recognized it in the temple. The magi saw it. Peter, James, and John saw it on the Mount of Transfiguration. And during his vision on the Isle of Patmos, John the Revelator saw how Jesus’ face was “like the sun shining in all its brilliance.” What did these people have in common? Think about it and let this truth sink in: Each of them were following hard after me and being obedient to me. Paul was the exception. Paul was actually running away from me when I shone my light on him on the road to Damascus. Thus, you can’t box me in with this bit of theology. However, much more often than not, I reveal myself to those who seek after me. As Isaiah said, “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near” (Isaiah 55:6). Don’t expect everyone in the congregation to immediately recognize Jesus shining through you. They won’t. Many of them may not be seeking for Him. However, remain faithful to me, seek my face in your everyday life, and obey me in every little thing. In doing so, I will reveal myself to you and will shine my light through you so those who are seeking me will recognize me in you.
What I said to God: Father, thank You for speaking to me today! I am so grateful You would meet with me. What a blessing to know You and to follow You. Please forgive when I don’t follow hard after You and obey your every command. I pray for each worship team and pastor who will lift You up this weekend. Help them not be discouraged when some don’t recognize and glorify You. Help them remain faithful to let their light so shine before men, so that they may glorify their Father in heaven.