Chosen for His Glory 

Call to Prayer

Title: Chosen for His Glory

By: Daniel Peter

Date: 14/03/2023

When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” John 11:4 NIV

All through scriptures, we see specific acts God performed to reveal certain attributes of Himself to mankind. By observing these acts and understanding His intent, we gain a revelation of God. For example, in Exodus 9:16, He revealed that the reason He raised Pharaoh was to display His power so that His name will be proclaimed on all the earth. Again, the judgment of Nebuchadnezzar recorded in Daniel 4 was in order that “The living may know That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men (V. 17)”. As we meditate on His actions in the life of these men, we receive the revelation.

There’s something God intends to do on the earth which was revealed in Habakkuk 2:19. It reads “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea”. Just like He chose Pharaoh and Nebuchadnezzar, who were vessels of His wrath, to proclaim certain aspects of Himself on the earth, there are specific people, who are vessels of His mercy, He has chosen to proclaim His glory around the earth, using circumstances of their life. One of such people was the man Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha. When told about His health condition, Jesus Christ said “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it John 11:4 NKJV”. 

The word glory as used in John 11:4 is from the Greek word “Doxa“, and it means “a common belief or popular opinion”, and it relates to our perception of God. Analyzing the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead, one of the opinions of Himself that stood out from that encounter was that “He is faithful”. For despite He promised that Lazurus would live, he died, and Mary and Martha felt disappointed by God. However, Jesus kept His word to them by bringing Him back to life. From this story, men can believe God to perform His words, even when the situation looks contrary; even when it looks dead and impossible.

Like Lazarus, God has chosen certain people to display His glory using their lives. These people may go through situations that seem difficult and contrary to the promise He has given to them, just like what Lazarus experienced. By God keeping His words and fulfilling His promise in their lives, men will be able to see the faithfulness of God and put their trust in Him.

Prayer Point:

Let’s thank God for His word today. Let’s ask Him to help us to know He is faithful.