Glory Revealed

"This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him."
John 2:11

According to the apostle John, the first miracle performed was when he turned the water into wine at the wedding feast. This miracle is not recorded in any of the other gospels. This was not a healing, no one was raised from the dead. It was a miracle, water was supernaturally made into wine. It seems that the entire purpose of this miracle was to reveal Jesus' glory to his disciples. They needed to know that he was fully God, not just a man. It would have been one thing to follow a great teacher, buy it was a greater thing to follow the only Son of God.
    Today, many Christians talk about the glory of God. People long to see his glory, but many have struggled to understand what it means. What is God's glory and how do we see it? I believe it's simple. It is exactly the same as when Jesus changed the water into wine. To see God's glory is to see a demonstration of his deity and power. This is the single thing that sets the true God apart from all other gods who are worshiped. There is no other God who claims to have risen, no other God who claims to have the power to perform miracles or heal. This is what sets our God apart. This is why he is the one true God. And this is why his glory is so important for the world to see.
    It is not simply for our pleasure that God wants to reveal his glory. He wants to reveal it so that everyone will know that he is the only God. Peter and John went with Jesus one time, to the top of a mountain. There Elijah and Moses appeared and Jesus was transfigured. This means that he no longer appeared as a man, he appeared as God, supernatural in power and appearance. Again, Jesus displayed himself as God. All people are drawn to the supernatural. We want to know that there is someone greater than us who is in control. God responds by revealing his glory, and we know he is who he says he is.
    Let's pray for God to reveal his glory more and more. When his glory is manifest, miraculous things happen: Needs are met, the sick are made well, people come to be saved, and our faith is built. Don't be afraid of God's glory. Don't be intimidated. It is for our good that his glory is revealed. Without it, the church misses out on the incredible supernatural power of God expressed through his love for us. So I pray, "God, show us your glory!"