Think out Laud

That you might share in the glory of Jesus

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

"...from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ."

If we believe that God "uses all things for our good" [Rom 8:28] and that he is with us as he promised again and again, then we must hold fast to the belief that there are reasons for everything in life.

The reason God chose us and went to such lengths (the cross of Calvary) to save us, is that, acc. to v.14, "we might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." This is not just fluffy talk. To share in Jesus' glory is the very meaning of life to the Christian. It is what should drive us daily. While worldly people are driven by human riches and temporal glory, we envision the day we will stand at Jesus' side in heaven, exalted with him, sitting with him on his throne [Rev 3:21]. Some people LIVE to have a gorgeous physique or a pretty face or a fancy sports car or some position. Mitt Romney can make a lot more money in business than by being President. He isn't driven by money as much as the glory and power, or maybe some altruistic goal to make the US a better place (and take credit for it). (Sorry if my bias isn't very well veiled. Ron Paul is more altruistic in every way.)

But what gives? When does this glory begin? Unlike human glory, it isn't something we can have here and now. Until we die, we must suffer with Jesus---disgrace, misunderstanding, persecution, hate. Jesus said, "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first." [Jn 15:18] The hard part is to wait. "Stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you," Paul says [15]. With heavy temptation and storms of cultural upheaval, it's hard to stand firm. When I see how kids (even in our church) are so unstable, it's truly scary.

But I know I must stand firm, setting "an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." [1Timothy 4:12] THIS is how glory comes to us: We set an example. Later, after we're dead and gone, they remember us. It's quite the opposite of worldly glory. Does anyone really care today about politicians of the past? A few, who were good examples, but the most of them, not. Do people generally remember the rich and famous of the past? The generations that follow will surely forget Bill Gates and Donald Trump. But we are Christians today because of the good influence of one example, Jesus, and the twelve men who followed him and emulated his life.

Lord, make me an example, for the glory of Jesus. Let me increase his glory with all my heart and life, that glory which you've promised we will share who now share in his sufferings. Amen.

Posted by ckelly at October 4, 2007 09:22 AM