SCRIPTURE: John 13:31-38
“Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him.” (John 13:31)
What does it mean to be glorified?
I think of it as having a spotlight shone on you.
You are highlighted, honoured, celebrated, recognized for what is good.
Because of Who Jesus is, how Jesus lives and dies and overcomes – He is praised.
And God gets the glory too, everyone marvels at how amazing He is.
It is not primarily because of His miracles (which Jesus downplayed).
It is because of His amazing love, His unbelievable humility and sacrifice.
His love is a love that people notice, that people ‘glorify’.
And when people see this love in His followers, they can see it’s Jesus-like quality.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)
This is (or should be) what sets Jesus’ followers apart.
When we love and serve with humility and sacrifice, we shine the spotlight on Jesus.
Which shines the spotlight on God… Who shines the spotlight on us.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for the amazing people in my life that love like You, that show they are Your disciples. Thank You for bringing this kind of love into the world.
Observation/Application
No greater love, no greater glory is shown here than to lay down one’s life willingly for another. Christ obeyed His leader, God our Father, in all of His ‘assignment.’ Willingly. Obediently. The cross reveals the love the Father had for the sinners – me. the greatest trust one can give their leader is the willingness to obey, even to the point of death. And Jesus did so that I can live. He was offered for my sins. No greater proof of love for you and me is the cross – selfless, sacrificial, forgiving, – beyond understanding. He has shown us another way and filled with faith and hope and love, I too need to share the love of God with others and in that way show the glory of the Father. Help me this day Lord to make my LightShine for You.
I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more,
But the Master of the sea, heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.
Refrain
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help
Love lifted me!
All my heart to Him I give, ever to Him I’ll cling
In His blessèd presence live, ever His praises sing,
Love so mighty and so true, merits my soul’s best songs,
Faithful, loving service too, to Him belongs.
Refrain
Souls in danger look above, Jesus completely saves,
He will lift you by His love, out of the angry waves.
He’s the Master of the sea, billows His will obey,
He your Savior wants to be, be saved today.