Redeemed from Self
In John chapter 17, we receive a wonderful account of Jesus praying for all those that would believe on Him. The passage looks right into the deepest sentiments the Lord has and desires for us. In the beginning of the prayer, Jesus prays to the Father and says, “I have glorified You on the earth, I have finished the work which You gave me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me with Your own Self with the glory which I had with You before the world was.” The word “glory” or “glorified” in these verses has a very interesting definition. The word means “to exhibit all God is and does” or “to cause a favorable opinion of God” and “the exalted position with God”. Jesus was saying, “Father, I have caused those on earth to have a favorable opinion of You by demonstrating what You are and do. Now take Me back to the exalted position I had with You before the world was created; restore all things as if none of this trouble ever happened.” When God gave Jesus His glory, it was an exalted position that reigns victorious over every situation the devil ever caused!
Now why does that matter to you? Because Jesus goes on to say something marvelous about you in His prayer. In John 17:22 Jesus says, “And the GLORY which You gave Me, I HAVE GIVEN THEM(believers), that they may be one even as We are one.” Jesus said the glory which He was given is now given to us! That means that we have been given the ability to demonstrate all that God is and does so that the world would render upon Him a favorable opinion! That means that Jesus has given to us His exalted position before the world was ever formed; as if none of these troubles ever happened. Ephesians 2:5-6 says, “Even when we were dead in sins, (God) has made us alive TOGETHER WITH CHRIST…and has raised us up TOGETHER, and made us SIT TOGETHER in heavenly places with Christ Jesus.” The Word of God tells us that we have sat down in that exalted eternal seat with Christ. It’s as if we are seated in the past and the future all at the same time. It’s as if all our personal issues never happened and are already solved right now! Of course we know that in this world difficult things do and have happened. We don’t deny that. But we can take our faith in the Word and see ourselves seated with Christ! We can view life from His throne! And when we do our problems seem so small.
So what would life be like if you believed that you are seated with the glory of Christ; the same glory Jesus had with the Father before the world ever was? What is there to pray about if all your issues are in God’s hands? I’ll tell you what you would pray for: Others! This is what Jesus wants us to understand: Your issues are handled, go and help solve the issues of others. Then you will know what it is to be Christ-like.
Pastor Tim
Family Church Jamestown is a non-denominational church located in Chautauqua County in Jamestown between Lakewood and Busti, NY. The senior pastor of Family Church is Pastor Tim Stahlman a native to the Jamestown, NY area.
