Monday, April 3, 2006
John 12:27-28 "Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!"
GLORIFY HIS NAME IN TRIAL
Jesus' heart was troubled. Is it any surprise? The hours He now faced would be hours of the most intense mental and physical strain. It would not be long before one of His closest friends would betray Him. He would be taken before the religious leaders where false witness would be brought against Him. He would face Pilate who, with the power to spare His life, would wash His hands of the matter. Finally, the pain of crucifixion would come, and the very separation from His Heavenly Father.
But what do we find Jesus saying in the midst of these most threatening times? Is He grumbling at God for being sent such a cross? Is He complaining and angry at being put up to such suffering? Not in the least. Rather we find our dear Lord echoing the song of the Christmas angels! "Glory to God in the highest" -- "Father, glorify your name!"
The words of Jesus here are striking because they're so unlike what our human nature says when we're under stress and strain. When the dark clouds billow over our own lives, the order of the day is often frustration at God's decisions or doubt about His love. Taking a moment in the middle of trouble to give glory to God is not usually first on the agenda. Yet those are the very moments when it is most appropriate to give Him glory, honor, and praise!
For it was on account of our own dark hours that the Father sent His only begotten Son -- the Son whose death would shine the light of the promise of heaven to give us joy in every sorrow. Yes, Father, "Glorify your name!"
