The Fellowship Of Glory

Read: John 17:22-24

I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one.

John 17:22

THE UNIVERSE and its inhabitants are designed to be a revelation of God’s glory. The human race departed from that script in the opening act, but we didn’t thwart God’s purpose. He revealed his glory through the people of Israel, then through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and now through those who believe in the Son. In fact, the apparent detour we took in our rebellion played perfectly into his plan; it became the essential setting for a fuller revelation of his attributes. His glory shines brightly in a dark world.

God has made it clear that he will not share his glory with idols (Isaiah 42:8; 48:11), but that says nothing about his desire to shine through his people. Idols are God’s rivals for worship in the human heart. His people, made and remade in his image, are not. In fact, we are Plan A for his revelation of glory in this age. Jesus made a remarkable statement in his priestly prayer the night before his crucifixion: that he had shared his glory with his followers in order that we might be one with each other and with the Father and Son. It’s an invitation for all believers into the unity of the Trinity—the oneness that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit share is a harmony we can hardly imagine. The Father and Son do not withhold divine glory from others; they share it freely for a clearer revelation of God. The fellowship of glory is a testimony designed to transform the world.

We typically look to God to intervene in the world’s problems and provide his solutions, but God looks back to us. His nature was demonstrated in Jesus, and we are now in him. His power works through us. Whether we feel up to the task or not, we are meant to be carriers of the Spirit and manifestations of the Son in this world. The Son is the exact image of God (Hebrews 1:3), and in our regenesis, we are being formed into his image (Romans 8:29). We are pictures of the divine glory.

That’s a high calling, and it’s easy to be intimidated by it. But God’s calling is always beyond our abilities, and his power always accompanies it. Faith allows us to grow into the image of God, and our fellowship with him and his people fills us with the glory we were designed to carry. Through this God fills the earth with a revelation of his nature—just as he intended from the beginning.

PRAYER

Lord, you have always called people to tasks that are greater than their abilities and vision. Teach me to step into the fullness of your calling for me. May I be conformed to your image and carry your glory everywhere I go. Amen.

REFLECTION

In what ways do you think God manifests his glory through his people? What part do you play in that revelation?

Further reading: Ephesians 1:11-14

He made the path to glory plain;

Ah, no! He did not die in vain.

“HE DID NOT DIE IN VAIN,” CARRIE E. BRECK