John 17:1-5

“I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do.” vs. 4

In John’s gospel Jesus  concludes his ministry by gathering his disciples in an upper room for final instructions and a closing prayer. In that prayer he indicates deep satisfaction with the way his life has unfolded. He believed that he had successfully concluded all the work that he had been given to do. That conviction is borne out the next day by his final words on the cross, “It is finished!”

It seems that Jesus’ main intention in life was to glorify God in all that he said and did, and it obviously gave him great satisfaction in knowing that this is what he had done. While on our part we can’t claim to have been sent as messiahs, the way we live our lives is a way to give glory to God.. Throughout history some have done this by using some version of the Latin phrase, “Sola Deo Gloria.” 

People like Bach, Handel, and Bernard Langer, who use such language with regard to their achievements are giving credit for their excellence to God. They’ve only done what they’ve done by the power and direction of God, and their words testify to their faith. It would be wonderful if all believers would use their gifts and talents, not for their own exaltation, but to give glory to God. How good it would be if we could say at life’s end. “I have finished the work you gave me to do. Glory be to you, O God!”

Thought for the Day: How has my life glorified God?