The Peace and Promise of ChristmasНамуна

Glory

I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do -John 17:4. 

The movie Glory celebrated the first African-American units to serve in the United States Army. Set in the Civil War, the film was based on historical accounts and made for brilliant storytelling! But in the end, almost all the key characters died.

Glory in death by combat?

In sports, we sometimes see an athlete attempt the seemingly impossible—for example, an unbelievable catch by an outfielder with his outstretched arm reaching over the wall. It’s called “going for the glory.” 

Glory by fame and acclaim? 

On His way to the garden of Gethsemane the night before the cross, Jesus prayed, “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” (John 17:4–5). What was He praying for? The word Jesus would have used for glory is kabod, which essentially means “gravitas.” This gravitas describes a person who embodies “wisdom, balance, stability, patience, impartiality, nobility.” Put another way, a kabod person possesses substance in the best and most important ways.

Now, ponder this: The most significant, substantial, and glorious Person in all eternity was willing to put aside all of that gravitas—that glory—to come to our rescue. And now, having completed that work, He’s had that glory fully restored. 

Glory by His obedience to the perfect will and plan of His Father. 

In your own words, how would you define the word glory? In what ways can you see how Jesus embodied a more thorough definition of glory? 

Father, it’s in our nature to seek glory for ourselves, but that’s a distorted view of what glory is and what it’s for. Forgive us, and help us to give You the glory due Your name.