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By Mike Caton

John 17:4, “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.”

Jesus’ work on earth might not be completely finished but it is getting close. He came to be the sacrifice for the sin of mankind; to die the death we all deserved and to rise again to completely defeat death and Satan. It is so close and Jesus is so committed to the Father’s work that he knows he will go through with it. Jesus can speak about it as if it is already done.

And Jesus has done this for the Father’s glory. Sure, there is a major blessing in what Jesus did for us. Without him and his sacrifice we would be lost for all of eternity. But it was God’s plan to redeem us, to buy us back from the sin and the mess we had made for ourselves. God’s plan was revealed in the Garden of Eden, and all throughout the Old Testament we see God preparing his people, and in fact the world, for the coming of the Messiah. It was God’s plan, but Jesus was willing to come and do what the Father asked. We’ve talked before about Jesus coming to earth and what that meant for him, He left the splendor of heaven, left the praise and worship of the heavenly beings, limited himself by coming to earth, was born as a baby in a poor family, grew and was rejected by the very people he came to save, and ultimately ended up on a cross. He did that for God’s glory, so that God would be pleased and praised.

Maybe we need to see our lives more in that light. What is it that God wants you to do? Have you ever thought about that? Sure, he might want you to be a preacher or a missionary or something. But undoubtedly he wants you to love and serve him. He wants you to make a commitment to him, as he did to you. He wants you to let your light shine, wherever you are and whatever you are doing, so that others may see your good deeds and glorify him in heaven. Don’t get tired of doing what is good, of serving the Lord. Finish the work he has given you to do as well.

Father, help me remain faithful. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Mike Caton is the preacher at Mount Olive Church of Christ in Belhaven. He volunteers at the Ponzer Fire Department and works part time with Hyde County EMS. If you would like to receive daily devotions in your inbox, email mikecaton@centurylink.net.

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