Today’s Reading: John 11:1-4
Hearing God’s Voice for Today:
“The sisters sent to him, saying, ‘Lord, he whom you love is ill.’ But when Jesus heard it he said, ‘This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.’”
* * * * *
As people plotted to kill Jesus, he departed from Jerusalem. He went to Bethany, a city about two miles from Jerusalem on the eastern slopes of the Mount of Olives. Its name means “place of rest.” It was such a place for him.
Jesus would go there regularly for rest from life’s mounting pressures and be with very close friends: sisters Mary and Martha, and their brother, Lazarus. He loved them all—especially Lazarus.
As Jesus made his way to Bethany, Mary and Martha sent word to him that his close friend Lazarus was ill. Jesus already knew what would happen to Lazarus. He would die and then be resurrected. It would be a miracle that would show the glory of the Father working through his beloved Son.
Jesus’ main purpose in performing miracles on earth was to show the greatness of his Father in heaven. He wanted to show the Father’s true character—his love, kindness, mercy, and grace. He desired to give evidence of the Father’s original intent for creation. God never designed for us to know disease, deformity, and death. They were evil intrusions into his once-perfect order. Jesus’ miracles gave evidence of the Father’s original design. They gave him glory regarding who he truly is.
When you rightly understand the Father’s nature, your faith increases. You trust who he is as Jesus reveals him to you.
When Jesus does miracles today, he reveals the Father’s glory.
Miracles aren’t done for everyone, at any time, whenever they ask. Otherwise, people would look to Jesus as a genie in a bottle—wanting him to serve them at every whim or fancy. But the reason he came to earth was so we would learn that true life is found in being a servant. Jesus obeyed the will of his Father in heaven, and that’s his desire for you as well.
When miracles occur, all glory should be given to God—where all glory is due. The Father does not share his glory with any human.
Do you believe that the Father alone deserves all the glory for what happens in your life? Do you have the phrase “To God alone be the glory” plastered in your mind? When you receive a compliment, or an award, or applause, do you give him the glory? When you consider creation, do you erupt in praise? When you ponder deep doctrinal truths, does your heart warm with gratefulness? Do you love to sing the doxology “Praise God from whom all blessings flow”?
When Jesus returns, he will receive glory from his people—praise from all who believe in him. If you believe in Jesus, this includes you.
That is the Lord’s will for your life. He wants you to give him all the glory.
He alone is worthy to be praised.
[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]