Amazedნიმუში

The Glory of the Father

The words ‘honor’ and ‘glory’ can be used interchangeably. Honor is the value, reverence, and respect we place on something. While glory is the proper opinion of someone based on who they are. In a passage highlighting the humility and obedience of Christ, we learn once more that when Jesus is honored (and/or glorified), it doesn’t detract from the Father, but brings him the honor and glory he deserves.

Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11 ESV)

While those verses do not imply a universal salvation, and while they aren’t meant to convey that people can wait until eternity to accept or reject Jesus (Matthew 7:21-23, Hebrews 9:27), ultimately, it will be clear to everyone who Jesus is.

Within the verses from Philippians is a phrase recorded hundreds of years earlier by the Prophet Isaiah: “Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return. 'To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance’” (Isa. 45:22-23, ESV, emphasis mine). Hence, just as the capacity to give life and to judge is associated with God in the Old Testament, so too is the claim that Jesus would receive honor.

Bringing honor and glory to God is something we were created and redeemed for (Isaiah 43:1,7). It's also a source of joy, satisfaction, and something we will do and experience for all eternity (Revelation 5:9-14).

Prayer: Father, I confess that Jesus is Lord, and give you the glory you so richly deserve. Thank you for creating me, redeeming me, and giving me the privilege of honoring you forever. Amen.

Isaiah 43:1-7
Philippians 2:5-11
Revelation 5:9-14