Jesus, the Radiance of God’s Glory

Introduction (Ice Breaker & Rhetorical Question)

Have you ever watched darkness fade as dawn begins to rise? The moment light touches the horizon, shapes appear, colors return, and hope awakens. So it is with the glory of God—His light changes everything.

Rhetorical question: If sunlight can brighten a morning, how much more can the Radiance of God in Jesus transform a weary soul?

Background

Psalm 145 is David’s great hymn exalting God’s character. Verses 8–13 highlight His compassion, goodness, faithfulness, and eternal rule. In the New Testament, these attributes shine fully in Jesus Christ, the Radiance of God’s glory (Hebrews 1:3).

Point 1: God’s Mercy Shines Through Jesus (Psalm 145:8)

“Gracious and compassionate”—these reflect God’s heart. The Hebrew ḥannûn means God gives grace freely. Raḥûm describes deep, tender compassion. Jesus embodies both.

Sub-Points:

1. Jesus Reveals God’s Grace
   Cross-reference: John 1:14 — full of grace and truth.
2. Jesus Reveals God’s Compassion
   He touched the untouchable and wept with the broken.
3. Jesus Shows God’s Patience
   He gently guided disciples who often misunderstood Him.

Transition: God’s mercy leads us to His goodness poured out on all creation.

Point 2: God’s Glory Shines in His Goodness (Psalm 145:9–10)

“The Lord is good to all”—ṭôb speaks of active, generous goodness. Jesus lived this goodness continually.

Sub-Points:

1. His Glory Touches All Creation
   All His works praise Him—echoing John 1:3.
2. Jesus Went About Doing Good
   Cross-reference: Acts 10:38.
3. We Are Called to Reflect His Light
   As creation praises God, so must we reflect Christ’s radiance.

Transition: Goodness points us to the ultimate truth—God’s kingdom is glorious and eternal.

Point 3: Jesus Reveals God’s Glorious and Eternal Kingdom (Psalm 145:11–13)

“They speak of the glory of Your kingdom.” The Hebrew kabôd means weighty, majestic glory. Jesus’ ministry brought that kingdom into the world.

Sub-Points:

1. His Kingdom Is Eternal
   Psalm 145:13 parallels Luke 1:33 — His kingdom will never end.
2. Jesus Embodies the Reign of God
   He healed, freed, restored, and proclaimed peace.
3. We Are Kingdom Bearers
   We manifest His glory by living in truth, compassion, and justice.

Practical Application

• Civil servants: Reflect His integrity in your service.
• Employees: Let His sustaining light strengthen you under pressure.
• Business owners: Let His goodness guide your decisions.
• Youth: Find identity in the radiance of Christ.
• Parents: Lead with patience and compassion as He does.

Illustration

During a blackout in a small clinic, one volunteer held a flashlight steady so a doctor could save a patient’s life. That single beam brought hope. Jesus is not merely a beam—He is the Radiance of God’s glory lighting our entire existence.

Poetic Closing

When shadows fall, His light still shines. When hearts grow faint, His mercy glows. Jesus, the Radiance of God’s glory— illuminate our lives forevermore.

Congregational Response

“Lord Jesus, Radiance of the Father, shine Your glory in my heart.”

Closing Pantun

Morning light breaks through the sky, Chasing darkness far away. Jesus shines with glory high— Guiding us in truth each day.