The Incarnation: A Brief Reflection
It is worth noting how the manifold wonders of Christ's incarnation show forth the glory of God. By wrapping the divine in flesh, being born a mere babe in a lowly estate, the humility of Jesus is demonstrated with marvelous clarity. Mention can likewise be made of the timing of His birth. Rather than appearing immediately after the fall of Adam, or perhaps the flood, when the numbers of men were fewer, God waited until the earth was teeming with people, and kingdoms were established, and the armies of Satan had spread like cancer, infecting the earth most abundantly. This was to show forth more clearly his conquering power and grace and boundless love, saving the worst in the worst possible conditions.
With the passing of ages, as well as the establishment of the Mosaic economy, Christ's mission could be prefigured in diverse ways, perplexing and intriguing both prophets and angels. By fulfilling the types and shadows, the light of His majesty shone with greater brightness, causing dull hearts and clouded eyes to suddenly see and praise, having experienced the joys of serendipity. Satan's kingdom would be shown all the more impotent and foolish as his schemes could not destroy, nor deter, the unfolding plan. To the contrary, his greatest weapon was used against him, sealing death's fate through the death of Christ.
Untold more could be said, but perhaps one of the most staggering thoughts to consider, and it is that which causes the mind to buckle, is the duration of Christ's incarnation. Having been raised from the grave, triumphant over death's grip, He remains the God-man. Forever God. Forever man. There is one mediator between God and man, the man Jesus Christ (1 Tim 2:5). Paul does not fear referring to Jesus, after His ascension, as a man. Neither does the apostle fear telling us that we will be transformed, at Christ's second coming, into the likeness of His glorious body (Phil 3:20-21). We shall resemble Him. Forever.
What a wonder to think that the second person of the Trinity would forever add humanity to Himself. Does this not teach us about the creative glory of God? God does things that astound the imagination. He performs the unthinkable. And He performs it in such a way as to not only magnify His fame, but our joy. We are being conformed to the image of the second Adam. We are gaining so much more. It is a New Creation; it is a story with twists and turns; a glory transcending original intentions. And it is ours in Him.
But beyond all this, such glorious additions causes the saint to wonder with eager expectation what future glories will be revealed. What plans stretching across the boundless eons of eternity will unfold and cause our joy and praise to abound in ever increasing waves? I have no idea what such things could be. But if they are anything like what has transpired already- if the story thus far has taught us anything- the future is very bright. There is a very long period of time awaiting us for the infinite depths of God's creative glory to glow with increasing brightness.
