John 17:22 NIV I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one.
The last words of a man when he approaches the end of his earthly life is usually considered to be very important and significant.
In the last recorded prayer that Jesus prayed for his disciples and for those that would come to believe through their message, he announced that he would give his glory, which he had with his Father from eternity past before creation, to those who would believe in him (John 17:5,22).
Religion teaches that God will never share his glory with any man. Here, we see Jesus say he would share the glory he had with the Father with men. What does this mean? How is this possible?
This meant God and man in union. Fellowship with God forever. And it was going to be possible because it was God’s ultimate plan; that his glory fills the earth, and this would be accomplished in humanity.
Scripture is replete with this truth; in Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms:
Numbers 14:21 KJV But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD.
Isaiah 40:5 KJV And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
Habakkuk 2:14 KJV For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
Psalm 72:19 KJV And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.
This was God’s original plan. It remains his eternal plan. God’s mission on earth is being fulfilled. Hallelujah!
Jesus partook of our humanity, suffered our pain and shame, and paid the price of our sins, to save humanity, qualify them to partake of his divinity, and to be able to bear the glory of God in them. This was going to be possible and available upon his resurrection from the dead.
Upon his resurrection, our Lord Jesus explained that this was the message of the scriptures of the Old; the suffering of Christ and the glory that would follow (Luke 24:25-27,44-47). That glory is the life of God in mankind.
Apostle Peter in his first Epistle, reiterated this same message: Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow (1 Peter 1:10-11 KJV).
The author of the book of Hebrews collaborated the same truth: For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings (Hebrews 2:10).
This is the will of the Father. This is the plan of God for you. To confer his glory upon you. The glory of God in you is that which was to follow the sufferings of Christ, his resurrection, and exaltation.
The glory of the Lord is risen and wants to rest in and upon. Only believe the sacrifices that Jesus made on your behalf and receive the life that he offers you today. Then, you will rise and shine with the glory of God (Isaiah 60:1).
Prayer
Father, I thank you for the gift of life you have offered me. I believe in my heart, and I confess with my mouth, that Christ died for my sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures. I receive forgiveness of all my sins. I receive the life of God. I receive the glory of God. I shine henceforth. Amen.
Be the first to comment