The Lord Glorifies

Glorifying comes from God and not of ourselves.

“⁵³Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be? ⁵⁴Jesus answered, ‘If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, “He is our God.”’” – John 8:53-54 (ESV)

Jesus is being grilled by the Jews here. He is being questioned as to just who he is and who he “makes” himself out to be. And Jesus lets them know quickly that it is not He that raises Himself up, but God the Father. God is the one that has the authority to make us more than we are in this world.

Yes, positions in society are given and provided by those in society, but that is not what I am talking about when talking about being raised up and glorified. I am not talking about position in a company, but the position had in the Kingdom of God. God glorifies me and has given me position as heir with Jesus in heaven. I am a child of God and with that comes the glory as given from God the Father.

The glorification from God to me is not something that will raise us up in society. In fact, it is likely that our position is society will be more difficult as we are glorified by God. We are be persecuted for our faith. We are treated as contrary to the world. We are viewed as out of touch and living a “Pollyanna” existence. We are seen as resistant to the ways of the world and non conforming to changes in what is acceptable in society. I will say that I am okay with all of the treatment for that just confirms that everyone knows of where my allegiance lies. Now I am not saying that I enjoy the treatment, just that I accept it as a consequence of my faith.

I know that my glory here in this world is of no consequence to my eternal glory that is found in Christ. I am here in this world to do the work of God, for God, and with His help. I know that my purpose is to glorify the King and as I do, He, God, will glorify me.

Where is it that you are seeking glorification? Are you looking to be seen as great in this world? What if you were to seek to glorify God to be glorified by God?