Glory on Display

 

Some of the words that describe God and what God does surprise me. For instance, DISPLAY is only in the New Testament. It is translated from three Greek words yet all are from a root word that means action. The sense of each of the three may have mattered to the mind of the original readers, but in English there is a lot of overlapping in how these words are translated. The original language words are intriguing.

The first one means to be manifest, clear, visible, known, to become clearly revealed to the mind, the senses, or judgment. This is not necessarily made visible so all can see it with their eyes but this display is definite in the mind of those who witness it whether it is a miracle or the glory of God. It is a display that makes grasping God’s glory possible. Whether it is accepted or rejected is another matter:

This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him. (John 2:11)

Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. (John 9:3)

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. (Romans 1:18–23)

The second word translated at times as DISPLAY means to show, to make visible or noticeable, to see, understand, demonstrate, reveal. It may seem like the first word, but in this case, it is the opposite of to hide, a slight difference but shows that the grace of God revealed in the first word is not hidden, but this revelation might be. Some might see the attributes of Jesus, to others His glory is hidden. Pertaining to the human conscience, observers might see what convicts me, but that inner voice can easily be hidden rather than displayed.

But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:16)

For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. (Romans 2:14–16)

The third word for DISPLAY is more about visibility. It means to show, present, indicate or make known, reveal, exhibit in such a way as to be seen by the eyes of others. This can refer to Jesus when He returns, to the revelations the Father gave Him, and to the revelations He gave John about the future:

 . . . until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. (1 Timothy 6:14–16)

For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel. (John 5:20)

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John . . . . Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb (Revelation 1:1 and 22:1)

GAZE INTO HIS GLORY. The third word convicts me for it is also used in this verse: “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13) clearly saying that whatever I do, it is not to be in secret but visible to others. I’m not to be showing off or motivated by any selfish gain. Instead, when I see His glory I should reveal it plainly so others can see it in me. I’ve a long way to go to make my revelation of God even close to that shown in Jesus Christ.