The Beauty of God in the Gospel
In a world filled with natural beauty, we often find ourselves captivated by the sights that surround us. And behind everything beautiful lies a deeper truth — the creative beauty of God.
Beauty possesses an almost magical quality that stirs our souls and ignites our passions. From the beauty of a fresh snowfall to the mesmerizing sight of a star-studded night sky, beauty has the ability to transcend our ordinary existence. It awakens a longing within us for something greater, something beyond ourselves. As believers, we recognize that beauty reflects the very nature of God, for every beautiful thing finds its origin in Him.
Beauty awakens a longing within us for something greater, something beyond ourselves.
Within the gospel message, we discover the ultimate expression of God’s beauty. The apostle Paul was unashamed of the gospel because he recognized it as the power of God to save all who believe. In the gospel, we encounter not only the righteousness but also the beauty of God. The gospel is a story and a promise that needs to be shared.
The gospel is a story and a promise that needs to be shared.
As human beings, we possess inherent value, meaning, and purpose. Everyone senses this, but few understand why. Yet we know that mankind is formed in the image of God and we were meant for a relationship with Him, to love others, and to exercise dominion on earth. But we turned from God and chose to go it alone, create our own purpose and significance. Deep inside, we recognize the emptiness of this, that it’s not really working out so well.
Despite our turning away, the all-powerful and all-wise God desires intimacy with us.
Here’s where it gets beautiful: despite our turning away, the all-powerful and all-wise God desires intimacy with us. The apostle John tells us God did something about it too, that “God loved us and sent His Son.” But man didn’t love Him. Mankind did not want Him to rule over us. We didn’t want Him at all. Yet the beauty of God’s love persevered through man’s cruel rejection. Jesus bore our worst. He bore our sin and violence and through Jesus’ sacrificial death and the validation of His resurrection, God accepting His sacrifice, welcomes and cherishes all who trust Him, regardless of our shortcomings.
Jesus assures all who believe, “You are forgiven,” and “You belong,” which are beautiful promises. The Son of God takes away our sins and shame and grants us His name and His righteousness.
The Son of God takes away our sins and shame and grants us His name and His righteousness.
This changes everything for the believer.
The beauty of the gospel can also, therefore, be seen in the lives of those transformed by its truth and power. It can be seen in the extravagant act of a woman pouring out expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet, in the joy of a former addict liberated from the chains of addiction, and in the restorative actions of Zacchaeus, who repaid those he had wronged. Through these stories, we witness the beauty of God’s redemptive power working in the lives of His people.
In the gospel story, we see God’s power, personableness, and beauty. Each elicits passion. It is a story that speaks directly to the heart of those who feel isolated, hurting, and hopeless, who need to hear the beauty of God’s love for them, offering you a lifeline of hope and intimacy, joy, and beauty.