Glory through you
by Pastor Jim Strelan
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And glory has come to me through them (John 17:10b).
Read John 17:1–11
What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘glory’? Bright lights, majesty, honour or praise? It’s probably not a word we use much these days, although we do talk about something being glorious, like a beautiful sunset. Is it possible that Jesus might receive glory through you? When I was in Madang, Papua New Guinea, young people sang a song with the line, ‘I can see in you the glory of my King’. Really? Pretty hard to imagine, don’t you think?
In John 17, we have a lengthy and somewhat complex prayer that Jesus prays. The word ‘glory’ appears over and over. And he describes an intimate connection between himself and the Father, shared by himself with his followers. Jesus and his Father are one. He prays that his followers (believers) will also be one – one with him and each other – and so reflect that intimate connection he and the Father have. And as the Father’s glory is shown in the Son, so he prays that the glory of the Son will be shown in all who believe.
Complex, isn’t it? Jesus looks ahead and sees that he will soon fulfil the purpose for which he came. He will die, and in his dying, he will draw all people to himself. In his death, he will be glorified. So how does glory come from Jesus to his followers and so to us? It is passed on from Father to Son to disciples. It is part of being intimately connected. It is in receiving what Jesus passed on and being reflectors of all that. As Jesus shows the heart of the Father, his followers show the heart of the Son. Initially, ‘being one’ suggests that same intimate connection. It’s a bit like a dance where the movement of the dancers is so beautifully choreographed that it is difficult to distinguish one dancer from the other. They are as one.
You and I can reflect God’s glory because the light shining in and through us is the light of Jesus. That might not sound like a picture of you, and it won’t if you just look at your own abilities and strengths. But the glory isn’t yours. It belongs to Jesus and comes from him to you.
Jesus, shine your light on me so that your glory can be seen all around me. Amen.
Pastor Jim is a retired pastor living on Brisbane Northside. He served in Papua New Guinea and as school pastor in several schools and congregations with schools. Jim is married to Ruth, and they have three children and seven grandchildren, who Jim loves unconditionally. He loves to share the gospel as simply and clearly as he can.
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