Glory and a New Command
September 23, 2024
Glory and a New Command
(Read to the end. The prayer at the bottom is good) John, chapter 13, concludes with two messages. The first, Jesus is glorified.
But what does that mean? I jumped into some research and the one-word-summary that fits is: honor.
Father, is bestowing honor upon Jesus. And the honorable actions and life of Jesus bring honor to God. I believe these few passages are conveying meaning and depth that I’ve yet to grasp. Our understanding of what is implied is limited.
In other words: THIS IS A BIG DEAL.
Yet, I can’t unpack it fully. I can only compare this glorifying to how it feels when we are respected, honored, and appreciated for what we accomplish and stand for. It’s deeply satisfying and fulfilling. It’s peaceful and meaningful. Hmmmmmm probably a very weak description for what is actually happening in this portion of scripture. Please add your thoughts in the comments.
Secondly, tucked in this chapter is a new commandment: Verse 34: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
What came to mind when I read this is the obvious command to love, but then my thoughts were, What are the commandments of Jesus?
1 & 2. The greatest commandment, Love God with all your heart, soul, mind. Second commandment, love your neighbor as yourself. Matt 22:37-39.
- Love your enemies. Matt 5:43-44
- Forgive others. Matt 6:14-15
- Do not judge. Matt 7:1-2
- Give to the poor. Matt 19:21, Matt 6:3-4
- Be humble and serve others. Matt 20:26-28, John 13:5-20
- Pray for your enemies. Matt 5:44
- Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness. Matt 6:33
What is interesting to me is that all these singular commandments lead to a life of love.
Forgiveness of friends and enemies opens our closed and bitter soul to love and peace.
Judgement/offense shuts love off. Humble service allows our viewpoint to change and builds compassion within. Praying for our enemies is difficult and teaches us we can do hard things and yet, not allow our hearts to harden. All of the commandments lead us to the Kingdom of God and right living.
This is the path of love.
This is the path to peace and contentment.
This is the Kingdom of our God. Everything about the life of Jesus was to reveal our Father and His Kingdom. A Kingdom of love.
This begs the question: What is the door to the Kingdom? Well, the answer awaits us in chapter 14. Stay tuned.
The most important thing about this Kingdom of love begins with knowing you are loved. Truly love, accepted, enough, and made powerful because God loves you.
In our world of strife, grief, and fear, this truth is always under assault. For me, sometimes, I have to cry out, pray, and ask God for a greater encounter of His love.
My friends, this is a great prayer and God will respond, just remain persistent. I couldn’t have walked these past six months without knowing God really loved me. He wants you to know that too. He will affirm, reaffirm, and do it again.
Just ask. Okay, here we go. Father, today I feel less-than, unworthy, beaten down, discouraged. Today, this very day, I need a love encounter with You. Reveal your love and approval in a way that changes my discouragement to great hope, wonder, and expectancy.
Jesus, reveal yourself and power in my life. Show me where you are today and lead me in wisdom to make decisions that are centered in love and reflect Your character. Reveal love to me today in a way that changes me. In Your name, Jesus. AMEN