Praying Like Jesus - With an Intense Desire for God's Glory
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | September 15 2024 | John 17:1-5
KEY VERSE:
Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son, that the Son may glorify you John 17:1b (NIV)
MESSAGE:
In John 17:1b, we encounter a deeply profound moment in Jesus’ prayer where He prays, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son, that the Son may glorify you.” This prayer reveals Jesus’ unwavering commitment to the glory of God, even as He faces His imminent suffering on the cross. Jesus’ focus was not on Himself or the pain He was about to endure but on the glorification of His Father (Heb.12:2). As believers, we are called to follow His example, approaching prayer with the same intense desire to glorify God in all we do (1 Cor. 10:31).
When Jesus prays, “glorify your Son, that the Son may glorify you,” He is not seeking personal recognition, but rather the revelation of God's glory through His death and resurrection. His suffering and victory would showcase God's power, love, and redemption (Rom. 5:8). This prayer reflects Jesus' total devotion to God's glory. Similarly, our prayers should align with God's mission, seeking strength to fulfil His purpose in our lives, ensuring that our actions and decisions bring glory to Him (Col. 3:17).
The phrase “the hour has come” refers to Jesus’ impending suffering and crucifixion (Matt. 26:45). Despite the immense physical and emotional pain ahead, Jesus prayed for God's glory, teaching us that glorifying God is not limited to moments of joy (Jam. 1:2-4). Even in hardship, we must trust in God's sovereignty and submit to His will (Rom. 8:28). The cross ultimately displayed God's glory, revealing His love, justice, and grace (John 3:16). Jesus’ willingness to endure suffering shows that God is glorified when His children remain faithful through trials, trusting in His greater plan (1 Pet.4:12-16).
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
The commitment to glorify God should be the very heartbeat of all praying. Our greatest fulfilment in life is to live for His glory because real joy is found not in living for self, but in living for the glory of God. That's what we were made for. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to focus my heart and mind on Your glory in everything I do. Teach me to pray like Jesus, with a deep desire to see Your name magnified. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: GLORIFY
The word "glorify" in John 17:1b is derived from the Greek word doxazō, which means "to honour," "to make glorious," or "to cause the dignity and worth of someone to be revealed." In the biblical context, it is often used to describe giving recognition and praise to God, showcasing His divine nature, attributes, and works. In John 17:1b, Jesus uses this term to pray for the Father to glorify Him, so that in turn, He can glorify the Father.
The usage of doxazō here implies a divine disclosure, where the true nature and purpose of Jesus' mission are fully unveiled. The cross, rather than being a moment of defeat, becomes the ultimate display of God's character. The act of asking for "glorification" shows Jesus' complete trust in the Father's plan, even when it involves immense personal sacrifice.
Reflections:
How can you seek to glorify God, especially in moments of difficulty, trusting that His purpose will be fulfilled through your faithfulness?
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