By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
John 17:4-5 “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.” – NIV
Jesus is making His last prayer before departure from earth. He now looks back at His work and reports to the Father Who sent Him that the work was done. He narrates how He did it, and what He desired the disciples to do to carry on the work He left them with. He extends that prayer beyond the disciples at that time to His follows for all generations to come to date.
Jesus prayed to be glorified. Glorification only and rightly comes after the assignment is well done. No winner or victor is crowned before running and winning the race, or before the battle is won. And the winners should have run the race according to the rules. For every overcomer and faithful servant who executes the tasks assigned by their Master, there awaits a crowning ceremony, a glorification from God Almighty that cannot be equalled with the grandest worldly ceremony!
Such is the joy of living out your purpose. It brings out a satisfaction that no other achievement can bring in a person’s life. One day, all our lives will come to an end in this earthly journey. Then we shall transition into the other side of eternity. And without doubt, we shall look back at what we lived for and what we achieved. I pray you will say like Jesus, that you fulfilled and finished the work God your Creator gave you to do in the world. Live for God! Paul did so and died a satisfied man!
2 Timothy 4:7-8 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
Shalom children of God.