We live in a world scarred by sin—marred by the consequences of choices that were never part of God’s perfect design. As Christians, we understand that God’s original plan for creation was perfect, but sin disrupted that harmony. However, in the midst of this brokenness, there is still a profound truth we can hold onto: God’s glory shines brightest in the redemptive work He is doing in our world.
The Bible doesn’t shy away from the reality of our brokenness. From the very beginning, in Genesis 3, we are confronted with the fall of humanity and the resulting curse upon creation. But the story of Scripture doesn’t end in despair—it continues with the unfolding plan of redemption, where God’s glory is revealed in His work of restoration.
This post will explore the concept of God’s glory in the midst of brokenness, focusing on how the redemptive work of God is the ultimate answer to the suffering and pain we experience in this fallen world. We will also reflect on how this theological truth applies to our everyday lives, especially within the context of our marriages and families.
The Glory of God in Creation and Fall
In the opening chapters of Genesis, we see that everything was created “very good” (Genesis 1:31). God’s design for creation was perfect, and His presence was meant to dwell with His people in the Garden of Eden. However, the fall of Adam and Eve into sin fractured this perfect world. The relationship between God and humanity was broken, and the consequences of that sin continue to reverberate through creation.
But even in the midst of the fall, we see the first glimmer of redemption. God promises in Genesis 3:15 that the seed of the woman will crush the head of the serpent, signaling the coming of a Savior who would defeat the power of sin and death. This promise of redemption is the thread that runs through the entire biblical narrative, showing that God’s ultimate purpose is not merely to condemn but to restore.
God’s Glory Revealed in Redemption
As we move through the Bible, we see that God’s glory is most fully revealed in His redemptive plan. In the Old Testament, God’s glory was often displayed in acts of deliverance—whether it was rescuing the Israelites from Egypt or providing for them in the wilderness. But the fullness of God’s glory is most clearly seen in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The apostle Paul writes in Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” In the cross of Christ, God’s glory is put on display. In the midst of the greatest act of suffering and brokenness in history, God’s love and justice are revealed. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, God’s glory shines in the restoration of humanity’s relationship with Him.
But redemption doesn’t stop with the individual. As we reflect on God’s redemptive work, we see that it extends to families and communities. Through Christ, God not only reconciles individuals to Himself but also calls us into a community where we can live out His glory in our relationships with one another. This includes our marriages and our roles as parents.
Applying Redemption to Family Life
In the context of marriage and parenting, understanding God’s redemptive plan gives us hope and direction. Marriage, as God intended, is a picture of the relationship between Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:32). This truth shapes how we view our marriages, especially in times of difficulty or struggle. In Christ, our marriages are not just about personal happiness but about reflecting the love and sacrifice that Christ has for His Church.
For parents, God’s redemptive plan also shapes how we raise our children. The call to discipleship is part of the larger redemptive story. We are entrusted with the task of raising children who will understand the gospel and live in light of God’s glory. As we teach them about God’s love and the hope of redemption, we are participating in God’s redemptive plan for the world.
The Hope of Christ’s Return
Finally, the redemptive work of God points us to the future hope we have in Christ’s return. As we live in a broken world, we long for the day when God will make all things new. In Revelation 21:4, we are promised that there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain, for the old order of things will have passed away. This is the ultimate restoration—when God’s glory will fill the earth, and His people will dwell with Him forever.
As Christians, we live with this hope. It is this hope that sustains us in times of suffering and brokenness. It is this hope that transforms our marriages, our families, and our communities. The glory of God is not just something we will experience in the future—it is something we can reflect in our lives today as we live out His redemptive plan.
Living in the Echoes of Redemption
In conclusion, the glory of God is not diminished by the brokenness of our world; rather, it is revealed most fully through the redemption He offers. As we reflect on God’s sovereignty in the midst of suffering, we are reminded that He is not absent but actively working to restore all things. This hope gives us the strength to live faithfully in our marriages and families, knowing that God’s glory will ultimately shine through the cracks of our brokenness.
As you reflect on the glory of God in your own life, remember that His redemptive work is not just a theological concept—it is something that transforms your everyday existence. Embrace the hope of redemption, and allow that hope to shape how you love your spouse, raise your children, and live out God’s calling in your family.
Book and Product Recommendations (from Amazon):
As you reflect on God’s redemptive work in your life and family, consider reading books like “The Meaning of Marriage” by Timothy Keller, which dives into the biblical understanding of marriage, or “Family Driven Faith” by Voddie Baucham, which provides insights into raising children who are grounded in the Christian faith. Additionally, “Shepherding a Child’s Heart” by Tedd Tripp is an excellent resource for parents looking to raise children with a strong spiritual foundation. For family devotional time, the “Jesus Storybook Bible” is a great tool to introduce young children to the gospel in a way that is accessible and engaging.
