“I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.” (John 17:4)
We were created by God for God, and thus we exist that God might be glorified in us. And because everything we do is to be an act of worship, we can be sure that there are countless ways of giving God glory. Let’s take a look at just one of these ways, which is rooted in the words of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10). Every moment of every day, Jesus was focused on His mission of being the Savior of the world. And He knew that by fulfilling His mission and finishing the work that His Father in heaven had given Him, Jesus was bringing glory to God.
Here is a phrase from the world of business that helps to crystallize the truth of John 17:4 — Begin with the end in mind. Jesus knew what He was here to do, and He would let nothing prevent Him from doing it.
What is true for Jesus is true for His disciples. We bring glory to God when we are busily engaged in finishing the work God gave us to do. I often say from the pulpit that I don’t know if God has called you to be a butcher, baker, or candlestick maker, but I do know is this: Every disciple has been called to advance the cause of the Kingdom of Christ, right where God has planted us. From the boardroom to the family room, we have been called by God to demonstrate the truths of the Gospel to a watching world.
Now, let me caution you with this truth: None of us will do this like Jesus did it. Jesus brought glory to God by finishing His work perfectly. We all do our work imperfectly — wildly imperfectly at times. But God takes our imperfect work and sanctifies it; ultimately He will perfect it. Knowing this truth frees us to press on toward the goal, to finish the work, knowing full well that work will be dogged by faults and even failure along the way. Many Christians are paralyzed by the fear of failure, which keeps them from attempting much of anything for God. But the true disciple of Christ knows perfection will only come on the other side of the grave. Here the goal is simply progress.
How are you progressing in giving God glory by finishing the work He has given you to do? Let me encourage you with one final point on today’s passage. When Jesus prayed the words recorded in John 17:4, we are to anticipate His victory cry from the cross: “It is finished!” (John 19:30). Knowing that Jesus finished His work for you should be all the motivation and inspiration you need to finish your work for Him.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 