It’s a Boy . . . Born to Bring Glory to God

“Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.”

John 17:1

The subject of glory is most intriguing. It is variously defined as praise, honor, fame and distinction. The pomp and circumstance of royalty certainly represent glory. My eyes were glued to our black and white TV in 1953 as twenty-five-year-old Elizabeth was crowned in Westminster Abbey. Amazingly, today I was able to pull up YouTube footage of the ceremony and it was, as I remembered, resplendent in glory.

 

As to five-month-old Prince George, I am willing to bet he wants to be honored by nothing more spectacular than the smile of mom and dad, the kiss of his puppy, and a favorite teddy bear. The truth is though, he was born to receive honor and glory from the Brits, and in return to bring them recognition on the world’s stage. 

There is a difference, however, between the inherited glory of the kings and queens, and the inherent glory of God. While it is relatively easy for monarchs to tarnish the royal reputation endowed on them, God’s glory is a part of Him. It cannot be diminished since He never changes. If we were in His presence, we would be dazzled by the brilliance of His inner glory shining through.  

We see glimpses of that glory in Scripture. It settled on Mt Sinai, like a consuming fire (Exodus 24:17). It radiated from Moses’ face whenever he entered the LORD’s presence to speak with him (Exodus 34:34). It terrified the shepherds outside Bethlehem (Luke 2:9). It gives God, on the throne in heaven, the appearance of Jasper and Carnelian (Revelation 4:3). The Crown Jewels pale in comparison.

Interestingly, when Jesus was born His inherent radiance was relegated to the back burner. There was no honor afforded Him in His hometown, not from His family, and certainly none from the Pharisees. It is not strange then to hear the Son say to His Father, “Glorify your Son.” As man, He had no earthly glory. The only crown He would wear would be one of piercing thorns.

Nevertheless Jesus was aware, with every fiber of His humanity, that He was born to bring glory to God: “I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do” (John 17:4). And so He did. In all that He did, the Son honored the Father.

Nancy P