When God Became Visible: Clarity That Changes Us

The Christian confession is stunningly simple and world-shaping: Jesus is the image of the invisible God—the eikon of the Father (Colossians 1:15). He is “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature” (Hebrews 1:3), so to see Him is to see God. This is not devotional hyperbole; it is doctrinal bedrock. The New Testament piles up witness after witness to the deity of Christ—“in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily” (Colossians 2:9).

Why press this point in the new year? Because clarity about Jesus produces clarity about discipleship. If Christ is God made visible, then grace is not a sentiment; it is a Person. Truth is not a trend; it is a Lord. And worship that beholds His glory inevitably becomes obedience that bears His likeness.

In a time fogged by misinformation and spiritual counterfeits, Christians need both devotion and discernment—a doxological vision of Jesus that fuels apologetics in the public square and holiness in the hidden place. For a crisp primer on biblical testimony regarding Christ’s deity, see this helpful overview from Insight For Living: A Good Man or the God-Man? The Case for the Deity of Jesus.

Grace That Demands a Response

Scripture anchors our joy in the self-giving grace of the Incarnate Son: “Though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). This is no metaphorical poverty alone; it is the humility of the manger and the humiliation of the cross. Jesus “was made lower than the angels for a little while… so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone” (Hebrews 2:9).

Such grace cannot be admired at arm’s length. It invites a missional imitation: because He came down, we go out; because He suffered, we endure; because He forgave, we forgive. The pathway of Christ—suffering before glory—shapes the pathway of the church. To behold the Lamb is to be summoned into a life of generosity, humility, and courage.

Radical Adjustments for a New Year

Sometimes life calls for tweaks. But sometimes, under real pressure, incrementalism is disobedience in slow motion. The lordship of Christ over every square inch of our lives means that course-correction is not a failure—it’s faithfulness.

Ask the Spirit for wisdom and boldness. Then, choose one decisive, God-honoring change you’ve delayed. Consider:

• Confession and reconciliation: Make the hard call. Send the email. Walk across the room. Leadership in the kingdom often looks like going first in repentance.
• Financial generosity: If grace made the Rich One poor for us, let that reframe our budgets. Set a new baseline for generosity to church and mission.
• Time and attention: Reclaim the morning watch. Trade 30 minutes of scrolling for Scripture, prayer, and discernment training.
• Church and mission: Move from attenders to ambassadors. Join a serving team. Commit to a small group. Adopt a missionary to pray for weekly.
• Personal holiness: Draw a bold line around the media you consume. Courage is sometimes the quiet “no” when no one is watching.

We do not make radical adjustments to impress God, but because God’s radical grace has already laid hold of us. Obedience is joy walking in boots.

Watchful Courage in a Distracted World

Scripture’s call is bracing and clear: “Be sober-minded; be watchful” (1 Peter 5:8). The age is noisy, the enemy is cunning, and drifting rarely leads to holiness. So we do what soldiers and saints have always done—we prepare and we pray.

• Armor up: Put on the whole armor of God daily (Ephesians 6:10–18), especially truth and righteousness. Lies unravel when strapped to the belt of truth.
• Guard the gates: What enters the mind shapes the heart. Practice vigilant media intake and apologetics-informed discernment. Not every “spiritual” take on Jesus is the Jesus who is Lord.
• Watch and pray: Set alarms—literal ones—for intercession. Vigilance becomes a habit when it is scheduled and shared.

Watchfulness is not anxiety; it is wisdom. It’s love paying attention so our households, congregations, and neighbors flourish under the care of a present Christ.

Christ’s Mandate: Love Your Enemies

The incarnation is God’s enemy-love made flesh. While we were sinners, Christ died for us; while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through His Son (see Romans 5:8–10). The King then turns to His followers and says, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:43–48).

This is not naïve sentimentalism. It is countercultural discipleship inspired by a crucified and risen Lord. In an outrage-addicted world, enemy-love is prophetic and powerful. It is how grace becomes visible again—this time through us.

Start here:

• Pray a blessing over the person who wronged you—by name—for seven days.
• Forgive from the heart, and where wise and safe, seek reconciliation.
• Do one undeserved kindness for someone whose politics, personality, or past puts them on your “avoid” list.

From Wonder to Witness: A Simple Rule of Life

Let’s turn awe into action by adopting a humble, bold rule of life for the next 90 days:

• See Jesus clearly (Daily): Read a Gospel chapter and confess out loud one truth about His deity or character. Consider memorizing a Christ-exalting verse like Colossians 2:9.
• Choose courage (Weekly): Make one decisive act of obedience—confession, generosity, witness—that you would normally postpone.
• Extend undeserved kindness (Monthly): Identify an “enemy” or estranged relationship and initiate one tangible act of mercy or reconciliation.

This is how doctrine turns into a life that preaches: we behold the image of God in Christ, then become living images of His grace to a watching world.

A Prayer for the New Year

Lord Jesus Christ, exact imprint of the Father, God made visible—give us clarity to confess You, courage to obey You, humility to imitate You, vigilance to stand firm, and love to bless our enemies. Grant that the riches of Your grace would make us rich in generosity, bold in witness, and steady in hope. Lead us in any radical adjustments that honor Your name. Amen.

Keep the Vision, Keep the Vigil

With the glow of Christmas now behind us and the grit of a new year well underway, let’s carry both wonder and watchfulness. The God who became visible will make His grace visible through His people—if we walk in clarity, courage, and Christlike love. Cross before crown. Faithfulness before fanfare. And joy, always joy, in the One who became poor to make us rich in God.

See This Related Post: Christian New Year: Humility, Stewardship, and God’s Glory