Glorify Me!
For most of us, our form of Christianity doesn’t like the feeling of this title, Father, glorify me. It doesn’t sound humble. It feels self-aggrandizing. However, I want to propose that this is actually something that God wants us to ask of Him.
Jesus starts His priestly prayer with this statement, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you” (John 17:1). Sure Jesus is God and is worthy of being glorified, but most of His earthy ministry is done to show us what life can be like in the Spirit. Therefore should we also pray this prayer?
We Need to Be Glorified to Fully Glorify God
What exactly is Jesus asking for? The purpose of the prayer is ultimately to glorify God, but His request to be glorified Himself is also for the purpose of accomplishing what He came to earth to do. We see this in the earlier statement that the hour has come. And, in John 17:4 Jesus states His desire to finish the work God gave Him to do.
The request to be glorified is actually a request to be able to finish the calling God gave Him to do, and in doing so He would glorify God. In light of this understanding, can this be a prayer we can pray? Do each of us have a specific calling and do we need God’s help to fulfill it?
We Need Our Glory to Accomplish What God Called Us to Do
Each of us were placed on this earth to fulfill a specific destiny. God has placed within us a part of Himself that He wants to release on this earth. As we become fully who God made us to be, we actually are more able to glorify God.
Let us not be ashamed of how God made us. He has placed greatness in us. He sees who we are and delights in us. He thinks we are amazing and whatever He thinks is correct. Whenever God glorifies us, the glory He put in us shines through us that other may see Him in us. Jesus put it this way, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Father, glorify us, so we may fully glorify You.
Hello Kevin,
Thank you for this post. I especially was touched by the last paragraph. And it was perfect timing. In fact, seconds before I read it, I was just asking God to help me be a personality that I am not, to please a certain friend. So thank you for this. I felt God speaking right to me and affirming me through it.
Rachel,
I’m very grateful for you. Thank you for your encouragement and comments.
Blessings,
Kevin