Pastor Jon G
Before Time Began: Jesus's Eternal Glory in John 17
It's a mind-bending concept, isn't it? To wrap our heads around existence before existence as we know it. I've been wrestling with this very idea this week, particularly in the context of relationships and this fundamental question: Who created Jesus? Who created God? The answer, the staggering truth, is no one. They have always been.
As we turn our gaze to the opening verse of this pivotal chapter, we find Jesus lifting His eyes to heaven and uttering these significant words: "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you." (John 17:1, ESV)
Think about the weight of that moment. Jesus, knowing the immense suffering that lay before Him, isn't focused on escaping it or seeking personal comfort. Instead, His heart is fixed on the glory of His Father. He sees His impending crucifixion not as a defeat, but as the very means through which God's glory will be revealed in its fullness.
This isn't a transactional request, but a deeply intertwined purpose. Jesus understands that His glorification – His resurrection, ascension, and ultimate triumph over sin and death – will, in turn, bring unparalleled glory back to the Father who sent Him. It's a beautiful dance of divine love and purpose, a testament to the perfect unity within the Trinity.
In our own lives, how often do we lift our eyes beyond our immediate circumstances and consider the glory of God? When faced with challenges, do we primarily seek our own comfort and resolution, or do we ask how God might be glorified through the situation?
John 17:1 invites us to shift our perspective. It encourages us to see beyond the temporary and embrace the eternal. It reminds us that even in our struggles, there's an opportunity for God's glory to shine through our faith, our perseverance, and our unwavering trust in Him.
Just as Jesus embraced the cross for the glory of the Father, we too are called to live lives that reflect His light. This doesn't necessarily mean grand, public displays, but rather the quiet acts of love, service, and faithfulness that point others to the One who is truly worthy of all glory.
So, today, let us join Jesus in lifting our eyes. Let the declaration "Glory to be God" be more than just words; let it be the guiding principle of our lives. May we seek to glorify Him in all that we do, knowing that in His glory, we find our ultimate purpose and fulfillment.
As we turn our gaze to the opening verse of this pivotal chapter, we find Jesus lifting His eyes to heaven and uttering these significant words: "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you." (John 17:1, ESV)
Think about the weight of that moment. Jesus, knowing the immense suffering that lay before Him, isn't focused on escaping it or seeking personal comfort. Instead, His heart is fixed on the glory of His Father. He sees His impending crucifixion not as a defeat, but as the very means through which God's glory will be revealed in its fullness.
This isn't a transactional request, but a deeply intertwined purpose. Jesus understands that His glorification – His resurrection, ascension, and ultimate triumph over sin and death – will, in turn, bring unparalleled glory back to the Father who sent Him. It's a beautiful dance of divine love and purpose, a testament to the perfect unity within the Trinity.
In our own lives, how often do we lift our eyes beyond our immediate circumstances and consider the glory of God? When faced with challenges, do we primarily seek our own comfort and resolution, or do we ask how God might be glorified through the situation?
John 17:1 invites us to shift our perspective. It encourages us to see beyond the temporary and embrace the eternal. It reminds us that even in our struggles, there's an opportunity for God's glory to shine through our faith, our perseverance, and our unwavering trust in Him.
Just as Jesus embraced the cross for the glory of the Father, we too are called to live lives that reflect His light. This doesn't necessarily mean grand, public displays, but rather the quiet acts of love, service, and faithfulness that point others to the One who is truly worthy of all glory.
So, today, let us join Jesus in lifting our eyes. Let the declaration "Glory to be God" be more than just words; let it be the guiding principle of our lives. May we seek to glorify Him in all that we do, knowing that in His glory, we find our ultimate purpose and fulfillment.
What are some ways you strive to bring glory to God in your daily life? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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