Thoughts from John Owen on the Glory of Christ

by Justin Pearson, Director of Adult Ministries @ MBC Loudoun

You know I love me a little J.O. I am currently reading John Owen’s The Glory of Christ. I am only in the first part of the book, but it is already blowing my mind. I wanted to share a challenging and thought provoking quote with you.

“There are some who profess to be strict, disciplined Christians, but who never put aside time to meditate on the glory of Christ. Yet they tell us that they desire nothing more than to behold his glory in heaven forever. They are being wholly inconsistent. It is impossible that someone who never meditates with delight on the glory of Christ here in this world, who does not make every effort to behold it by faith as it is revealed in Scripture, should ever have any real gracious desire to behold it in heaven. It is sad, therefore, that many can find time to think much on earthly, foolish things, but have no heart, no desire to meditate on this glorious object. What is this faith and love they claim to have?”

I want to challenge you to intentionally meditate on and think about the gloriousness of Christ regularly. Read the Scriptures looking for it (Hint: It is everywhere!). What is keeping you from beholding Jesus’ glory?

Owen says that many cannot meditate on this glory “because their minds are so cluttered up with earthly things.” Get rid of those earthly things.

Philippians 4:8 says: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

If Christ is truly our delight and our treasure we will not have a problem making him the object of all of our thoughts and affections. This takes discipline and practice, but I believe it is well worth it.

Meditate on the glory of Jesus this week.