PONDERING... God's Glory and Our Purpose

GIST: God's glory reveals His person and our purpose. 

John 13:31-35 When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him.  32  If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once.  33  Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, 'Where I am going you cannot come.'  34  A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.  35  By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

1. Glory in men?

 There are several  ways to define the word glory. Essential they are come down to honoring or praising. Here are a few examples from Dictionary.com to illustrate:

2. very great praise, honor, or distinction bestowed by common consent; renown: to win glory on the field of battle.
3. something that is a source of honor, fame, or admiration; a distinguished ornament or an object of pride: a sonnet that is one of the glories of English poetry.
4. adoring praise or worshipful thanksgiving: Give glory to God. (Dictionary.com)

In a human context, glory is usually circumstantial. I was think of classical knight tales--quests in search of glory. The knight wanted his fame to be known across the land. He would rescue a princess, win a tournament, or slay a dragon in pursuit of this cause. This is how man's glory works. There is some deed, or title, or reputation for which we receive honor or praise. Some of these acts are truly worthy ones (an upright reputation! or a deed of valor)... Others are not (family names, financial standing, popularity). Either way, this standard is fickle. 

2. Glory in God?

-In God, however, there is a difference. Men recieve glory when the they do something deemed worthy of praise. God by nature is always worthy of ultimate praise. God's glory, therefore, is a full revealing of His character.

-Interestingly, Jesus references His death here, and calls it His glory. So, what does His death tell us about His character: holiness and love

3. Glory in the "New" Commandment?

-The command wasn't new in the sense that the Old Testament did not command love. It is a new standard- as He loved. What was Jesus' love like? Intimate, unmerited, unconditional, patient, forgiving, self-sacrificing.

-He is our example.

-This is not a suggestion. This is a command. It will be our calling card (not how we are saved, but how that is exemplified).