*Jesus wants us to experience what we were really made for. *
Seeing and savoring His glory.
a. To See: walk in it, experience it.
b. To Savor: the taste or smell of something, a distinctive quality, to give flavor to, to have experience of, to taste or smell with pleasure, to delight in.
John 17:3 ESV
And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
John 17:24 ESV
Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.
*John 17:26, ESV
I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them. *
*What is Jesus’s final goal for us? *
a. See His glory.
b. To love Him with the same love that the Father has for Jesus.
*Good News and Great joy. *
Luke 2:8-16 NIV
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
It was a world hungry for a savior, and a world that was living in the reign of a political savior, but that wasn’t enough.
Suddenly moments:
a. When the Fullness of Preparation meets the Fullness of Time.
b. Kairos time: this is a critical strategic time.
c. Chronos time: which is a planned calendar time or event.
d. Prepared as people are found doing what God has called them to do.
Good News and Great Joy.
a. The Divine response to good news, is great joy!
b. Joy remains even amidst the suffering.
c. Joy is an emotion that’s acquired by the anticipation, acquisition or even the expectation of something great or wonderful.
*1 Peter 1:8 ESV
Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,*
*The good news that produces Joy is centered around TRUTH. *
How to respond to this good news?
*a. Become small. *
- God’s sign is his humility.
- Only when Christ is formed in us will the Gospel be fulfilled through us.
*b. Respond With Haste. *
- Urgency of movement or action; hurry.
- The Kingdom of God is at Hand.
*Luke 17:20-21 NKJV
20 Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; 21 nor will they say, [a]‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is [b]within you.”*
*c. Go see and Savor. *
- Greatest way to get others to experience life change is to model it.
- Guilty of teaching on the Kingdom but not giving people space to walk in the Kingdom.
*Psalm 126 ESV
When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” 3 The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad. 4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb! 5 Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!6 He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.
*
Discussion Questions.
What do you think of when you here “God’s Glory?” Does your definition match the Biblical definition?
Describe the difference between “seeing” and “savoring” God’s Glory?
Describe a time in your life where you experienced a “suddenly moment?”
How can we guard our Joy?
What does the Kingdom of God is at hand mean to you?
Read Psalm 126. What is one great thing that the lord has done for you?