Scripture in Action

Aneel Aranha is an author, preacher, and evangelist who has spoken to hundreds of thousands of people around the world. You can find a huge selection of his reflections, articles, sermons, songs and other resources on his app.

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Scripture in Action

John 1:14 — Shekinah Glory

June 06, 2023 • Aneel Aranha • Season 2 • Episode 4

0:00 | 3:22

The Shekinah glory is a beautiful, awe-inspiring concept highlighting God's desire to be present with his people. Let us experience its transformational power.

John 1:14 — Shekinah Glory

Hello and welcome to the Bite-Sized Gospel with Aneel Aranha. Today we will reflect on John 1:14. Listen.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Have you heard the phrase Shekinah glory? Shekinah is derived from the Hebrew word "shakan," which means "to dwell" or "to abide." The term "Shekinah glory" was coined by Jewish scholars to describe the divine presence of God among his people and its effects on them. It is a visible manifestation that indicates God’s favor, power, and holiness. The Shekinah glory reveals God's desire to be intimately connected with humanity, to guide, protect, and provide for them.

In the Old Testament, the Shekinah glory appeared in various forms. It was often represented as a cloud, fire, or radiant light. For example, when the Israelites were journeying through the wilderness, the Shekinah glory led them as a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21). It settled upon the tabernacle, filling it with God's presence (Exodus 40:34-35), and later did the same for Solomon's temple (1 Kings 8:10-11).

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is the ultimate manifestation of the Shekinah glory. This is what John is referring to in this passage that we are studying. In Jesus, God's presence is manifest among humanity in a unique and unprecedented way. Jesus said, "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father" (John 14:9). Through his life, teachings, miracles, and sacrificial death, Jesus revealed the glory of God to the world.

The Shekinah glory is not limited to physical manifestations, however, but can also be experienced spiritually. After Jesus' resurrection and ascension, he sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in believers. The Spirit's indwelling is another manifestation of the Shekinah glory in our lives today, serving as a constant presence, guiding, comforting, and empowering us.

As we worship God in the Spirit and in truth (see John 4:23-24), spending time in communion with him, we can encounter and experience the glory of God. And as we do so, we are transformed into his likeness. Paul writes, "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another" (2 Corinthians 3:18). Let us, consequently, reflect the Shekinah glory of God.

God bless you.