Thoughts for the Day

After Jesus had spoken these words, he looked up to heaven and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed.

(Church in Wales Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Jesus has been teaching the disciples about what is to happen after his death, and he closes this with the ultimate prayer of love to God the Father. He asks to be 'glorified' so that he may glorify God the Father. The word 'glorify' is not one we traditionally use. Put simply, the word 'glory' in our Bible, refers to God's greatness and His splendour. We give glory to God by acknowledging His greatness and we give honour to Him by praising Him in worship.

Ultimately glory is God's essence. The prophet Isaiah says this: "I am the Lord, that is my name; my glory I give to no other." (Isaiah 42.8). So Jesus the Son, asks God for glory in order to offer even more glory to His Heavenly Father.

God deserves our praise and worship, because He is perfect, He is holy, and He is true. When we glorify God we show that we love him. So we should come to Him regularly in humble obedience, listen to His words in the scriptures, and praise Him for His mercy, His faithfulness, and for His power. Finally, when we obey his commands and try to live a life of love and peace, then we can be said to give God glory!

Heavenly Father,
we praise You for Your greatness
for Your splendour
and Your honour.
May we continue to praise
You throughout our life,
offering You all that is Your due,
and may we learn how to live
a life of humble obedience.
Amen,