10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them.
In our verse for today Jesus reveals His unity, equality and intimacy with the Father. They are One in both essence and interest. In the past God had dwelt among the Israelites displaying His glory and splendor in various ways. He had led them on their travels through the desert by the great pillar of cloud by day and by the great pillar of fire by night – ever accompanying them with His presence on their way. God had displayed His glory as well through a myriad of miracles as wide and varied as the parting the Red Sea to the subduing of the lion’s in their den. We find in Exodus:
21 By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. Ex 13:21-22 (NIV)
We find in Daniel the following miraculous account:
19 At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions' den. 20 When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?" 21 Daniel answered, "O king, live forever! 22 My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king." 23 The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel out of the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. Dan 6:19-23 (NIV)
“Miracles are the great bell of the universe, which draws men to God’s sermon.” John Foster
“Every miracle always begins with the first ordinary step of faithfulness.” Ann Voskamp
In our verse for today, Jesus tells us, the glory of God was now displayed in Him as He physically came to “tabernacle” among His people in human form. There was a unique splendor and honor seen in Jesus’ life and miracles as well as in His death and resurrection. Furthermore, Christ’s disciples glorified Him – what little honor Christ had in this world while His feet walked this dusty earth was among His small band of believers. He was glorified in them through their faith, through their obedience and through their love – just as our Lord continues to be with every subsequent faithful follower. At a time when a vast majority of their countrymen hated the Master, they honored Him and loved Him and thereby brought Him much glory therefore He now was going to make special intercession for them. John confirms this in the beginning of his gospel:
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 (NIV)
Peter also states His confirmation:
16 We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." 18 We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. 2 Peter 1:16-18 (NIV)
Presently, in the Church Age in which we are a part, both the Holy Spirit glorifies the Son as well as believers who seek to manifest their love and obedience to Him through the Spirit’s power. Believers are to be oaks of righteousness for the display of His splendor. Yet, we can take heart in our failings that even the weakest faith and love to Christ will bring Him some glory and is never overlooked by our loving Master. John writes earlier in his gospel:
13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you. John 16:13-15 (NIV)
Paul adding in Ephesians:
11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory. Eph 1:11-14 (NIV)