If you believe, you will see the glory of God? (John 11:40 NAS95)

 “If you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (John 11:40 NAS95)

Would you like to “see” the glory of God? Many would. Not all can, or will.

One point would be that we couldn’t take it. We may enjoy the brightness of the sun, but to stand and stare at it is more than we can take. We would go blind. Moses was warned in the Old Testament that he could not “see” the glory of God and live. God allowed him to see His “back parts,” an after-glow, so to speak.

So first of all, to think that we can waltz into the glory of God in our creaturely and sinful condition is flippant to say the least, and perhaps a bit blasphemous. If we are to see the glory of God, we must be fitted for it.

Martha and Mary and their fellow-mourners were allowed to see something of God’s glory through the miracle of brother Lazarus’ raising from the dead. He was really dead, even deteriorating according to homemaker Martha (homemakers know about bad smells), and Jesus says, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” The glory hadn’t happened yet, but then did upon Jesus’ command, “Lazarus, come forth!” And he did. The power of God had broken the power of death. The divine had exposed the weakness of that which is mortal. God had triumphed. And the glory of God was seen in this work.

John 1:14 (same Gospel, in the introduction) says, “and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” This glory that Moses could not endure now shines through Jesus upon those who believe/ receive Him. Upon belief, we see something of God’s glory. However, if we fail to receive Him, we remain in the darkness - spiritual darkness. Jesus truly is the light of the world.

When it comes to Easter, many will participate in baskets and bunnies and brunches. But only those who believe Jesus, who receive Jesus, will be fitted to see the glory of God.

“If you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (John 11:40 NAS95)