A Powerful Statement

Just before Jesus was betrayed he was praying.  He said to his heavenly Father, "I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do."  (John 17:4)

That is bold and that is powerful.  He sheds light on what that mission was two verses later, "I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world."  A little further in his prayer he adds, "I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth."

Do we not have the same mission?  Are we not to reveal our heavenly Father to those he has placed us among in this world? Are we not to live a life of sacrifice to God and towards others so that others may be spurred towards holiness as they witness God's truth in our lives.  Yes, just as Jesus and the Father are one, we are one in Jesus (Jn 14:20).  We share in His mission.

Wow, that's a powerful mission, yet it is not a mission impossible. Jesus sent his Spirit.  He leads us into truth. He is our comforter. He is our encourager. He is our power.

The time will come when my journey here is done.  I want to be able to say, "I brought glory to you, heavenly Father, her on earth by completing the work you gave me to do."  

Wrestling With What's Ahead

Jesus wrestled with what was ahead when he considered the impending crucifixion.  "My soul is deeply troubled.  Should I pray, 'Father, save me from this hour'? But this is the very reason I came!  Father, bring glory to your name."

Wrestling is real. Wrestling is OK.  Wrestling indicates that we are feeling the weight of something. Wrestling indicates that we are grasping all that is involved in something.  Wrestling shows that something is hard.  Wrestling means that there is a lot at stake; there might be or is risk involved.

Jesus settles his troubled heart with two truths:  his purpose and God's glory.

When I'm wrestling...Lord, remind me of my purpose as your child and may all that happens be for your glory alone.Oh that I may trust that your purposes for me will bring glory to you.