Introduction

Today, we gather here to reflect upon the person who is both the foundation and the fulfillment of our faith – Jesus Christ. From the very beginning, God’s plan of redemption and salvation revolved around Him. Through scriptural examples and passages, we will explore how Jesus represents the first communication, the full manifestation, and the final revelation of God.

1. The First Communication of God (John 1:1-5)

In the Gospel of John, we find a profound revelation of Jesus as the Word of God. The opening verses depict His eternal presence:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1 ESV)

“No one has seen God at any time; God the only [Son,] who is in the arms of the Father, He has explained [Him.]” (John 1:18 NASB20)

Jesus, the Word, existed with God since the dawn of time. Through Him, God communicated not only His divine nature but also His will to reconcile humanity.

#Virtualamen

The light that shone in the darkness displays the spark of hope that Jesus brought into a fallen world.

Just as a well-crafted letter clearly communicates the thoughts and intentions of the writer, Jesus embodies God’s communication by being the living message of love, grace, and truth. His life, teachings, and miracles beautifully reveal the heart of the Father, drawing us closer to Him.

2. The Full Manifestation of God (John 1:14)

A kindergarten teacher asked everyone in her class to draw a picture of something important to them. Everyone else had finished their drawings, but little Johnny, in the back of class, was still drawing away.

The teacher walked back to Johnny, put her arm around his shoulder and asked, "Johnny, what are you drawing?" He said, "I'm drawing God."

She said, "Johnny, no one knows what God looks like."

He said, "They will when I get through!"

In the same chapter, verse 14, John describes Jesus as the Word made flesh:

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14 ESV)

The birth of Jesus marked the pivotal moment when God’s Word took on human form. The Almighty, who once dwelled beyond our reach, chose to tabernacle among us. By embracing our human limitations, He provided us with the perfect example of how to live a life of righteousness, compassion, and love.

#Virtualamen

Just as Christ’s presence had a significant impact on the lives He encountered, we can witness His full manifestation in the lives of believers today. Consider the transformation that occurs when individuals surrender their lives to Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Christ manifests Himself in their thoughts, words, and actions, reflecting the beauty and purity of His character.

3. The Final Revelation of God (Hebrews 1:1-3)

The book of Hebrews affirms Jesus as the ultimate and final revelation of God. The writer declares:

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature.” (Hebrews 1:1-3a ESV)

Through the prophets, God communicated His will and purpose to the people of old. However, Jesus surpasses all previous revelations. He is the complete embodiment of God’s glory, reflecting His nature and character without flaw.

#Virtualamen

• The first time He came in humility. The next time He will come in majesty.
• The first time He came in grief. The next time He will come in glory.
• The first time He came He was “despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows acquainted with grief. “ The next time He comes, “every knee shall bow, of things in heaven, things in earth, and things under the earth, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”
• The first time He came He was laid on a Roman tree. The next time He comes He will occupy a Heavenly throne.
• The first time He came they spat upon Him. The next time He comes He will smite the nations.
• The first time He came to be crucified. The next time He will come to be crowned.
• The first time He stood up, He welcomed Stephen home. The next time He stands up, He will welcome us home!

One day, after the final Battle has been fought, He will come again. At that moment every king, every queen, every dictator, every prime minister, every czar, every president, every skeptic, every scoffer, every atheist, every agnostic, every infidel, every God-hater, and every Christ rejecter will have to admit that He is the “King of Kings and Lord of Lords, to the glory of God the Father.”

And, once and for all, we will be there to behold Him in all of His glory!

Conclusion

In Jesus Christ, we find the completion of God’s promise and the ultimate expression of His love for us. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus became the bridge between humanity and God, inviting all people into a restored relationship with their Creator. Let us embrace this truth and seek to live as witnesses of Jesus, the first communication of God, the full manifestation of His love, and the final revelation of His plan for redemption. May His name be forever praised. Amen.