READING: 1 Chronicles 7-8, John 16:25-17:19
Jesus alone could say these words and state them without question: “I have glorified you on the earth by completing the work you gave me to do” (John 17:4). In no case did Jesus do anything different from what the Father required. He left heaven to dwell among men, illustrated God’s power by His miracles, drew God’s people unto Himself, prepared disciples to carry on the work beyond Him—and soon would move toward Jerusalem where He would die for the sins of the world. In all things, He sought to glorify the Father. Knowing He would soon willingly die on a cross, He could now say He had completed the work the Father gave Him to do.
What a way to live—to please God with every choice, every thought, every action—and then die fully in the will of the Father! Jesus thus establishes a model for us that ought to govern our lives every day. It ought to be our goal to say as we approach death, “Father, I’ve done all I can do to glorify You, not me. I’ve finished all that You’ve called me to do, and I’m ready to enter Your glory.” May God help us all.
PRAYER: “Father, here is my prayer today: ‘Let me serve You well, glorify You always, and obey everything You commanded.’”
TOMORROW’S READING: Review and catch-up day