John 17:24 contains a fascinating concept. Jesus prayed, “‘Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.” Before the creation of the world it was decided in heaven’s councils that Jesus would go to the cross to redeem mankind. The fall was not a secret to the Godhead but would be an enormous disappointment to them. When Jesus breathed into Adam the breath of life Jesus knew what He would have to do to enable Adam’s immortality. The cross would be horrendous. The cross would be torture beyond physical pain. It would necessitate Jesus’ separating from the Father so He could pay the price for sin. Jesus’ cross was His glory.
How often it is that we complain when given a difficult assignment. When given a great task that will require sacrifice and suffering the glory that follows is enormous. When a soldier is greatly honored with a Congressional Medal of Honor it is because he or she has gone way beyond what a normal man or woman would do. For the rest of his/her life the glory of their pain and sacrifice will be remembered.
Let us never complain about trials and sacrifices. Our successful accomplishment of them and overcoming will forever be our glory. It is no wonder Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.”
Written by Roger Bothwell on March 7, 2016
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