New Testament passage for Wednesday, May 28, 2014: John 17:1-29
Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You," John 17:1 (NKJV)
Toward the end of Jesus time here on earth, He began to speak about GLORY. He spoke of the Father GLORIFYING Him. "The time has come that the Son of Man should be glorified" (John 12:23). Today we read, "Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You," (John 17:1).
There are three ways THE GLORY OF JESUS shines so brightly.
1. In His DEATH.
We just celebrated Memorial Day. We remember those who, in the words of Abraham Lincoln, "gave the last full measure of devotion." Young patriot Nathan Hale said just prior to being hung by the British, "I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country." These are such inspiring words!
It is in death for a just cause that the character of a man or woman shines brightest. We call them heroes. The history of Christianity is filled with glorious stories of those who stood for truth at the cost of their lives. We call them martyrs.
This sounds like such a contradiction. But, the greatest glory shines when the greatest price is paid. In this light, if you want to see the GLORY OF JESUS, look at the Cross -- look at His pain -- look at His passion -- all for you!
2. In the Completion of His WORK.
Jesus said, "I have finished the work which You have given me to do" (John 17:4). All of us revel in the completing of a task. It is not enough to stay active or busy. We love a job finished and a job well done.
The Father made an assignment for His Son: salvation to those who would believe. Jesus got the job done! On the Cross, He uttered the words, "It is finished" (John 19:30).
3. In His RESURRECTION and ASCENSION.
The Cross is not the full story. The Resurrection is not the end, either. Throughout history, kings or governments have commissioned armies to fight their battles. The victorious return of this conquering army has always been met by joy and celebration.
When Jesus rose from the dead, Paul says He was raised by "the glory of the Father" (Rom. 6:4). A celebration began breaking forth. It hit the high mark when Jesus ascended to the Father bringing with Him the fruit of His labor. We read about it in Revelation 5:12 where the angels shouted out, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!"
That's glory!
When I consider this, it makes me SO THANKFUL for Who Jesus is, and what He has done on our behalf. It truly is all about Jesus -- His life, His death, His work, and His place today at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us. He brought glory to the Father -- Who also laid glory on Him. Now I can live in the afterglow of that light.
No comments:
Post a Comment