After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:
“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son,
that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all
people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given
him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God,
and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on
earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify
me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world
began."
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| Pretty Place, NC |
My
first thought as I read these words:
Jesus is praying to his Father, God, and I have
the privilege to read my Savior's words over 2,000 years later. All I can think
is wow! God has given us a gift. Actually, more than one.
First and foremost, God sent Jesus to this crazy
place called earth. He knew we needed someone willing to offer his life for our
sins. A few verses earlier in John 16, Jesus reminds us, "In this world
you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Jesus knew we needed hope because we'd experience difficulty
of all sorts. Physical, emotional, mental and yes, spiritual. At times, I'm
exhausted on all counts. I want to curl into a ball and hide. But, Jesus who
loves us more than we can imagine, reminds me of the hope, the joy, the peace
that waits for me in heaven.
This old world may get me down, but my Father
lifts me up through his word, that second beautiful gift He's given us. The Bible offers
comfort and peace, knowledge and wisdom. Jesus' words amaze me as I realize he
stood before the people, all those years ago, and spoke out loud for all to
hear. Those same words, often printed in red, still speak to my heart today.
May all glory be to God, who loves us.
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:8-9