In what ways can we prepare for our own "hour" of glorifying God? Setting the Stage: Understanding “the Hour” • John 12:23 – “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” • For Jesus, “the hour” pointed to the cross, resurrection, and exaltation. • Our “hour” may be a crisis, a calling, a season of suffering, or even our final moments on earth—any circumstance in which God means to display His glory through us. Studying the Pattern Jesus Set • John 17:1 – “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You.” – Jesus viewed the moment ahead as purposeful, not accidental. • John 17:4 – “I have glorified You on earth by accomplishing the work You gave Me to do.” – Obedience and completed assignment equaled glory to the Father. • John 12:27 – “Now My soul is troubled… Yet for this reason I came to this hour.” – Honest struggle paired with settled surrender. Practical Ways to Prepare for Our Hour • Cultivate daily obedience – Luke 16:10: faithfulness in little things trains the heart for bigger tests. • Live sacrificially – Romans 12:1: “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” • Nourish a God-centered mindset – Colossians 3:2: set minds on things above, not on earthly things. • Embrace suffering as stewardship – 1 Peter 4:12-13: fiery trials are opportunities to share Christ’s sufferings and reveal His glory. • Keep short accounts with sin – 1 John 1:9: regular confession keeps conscience clear and witness bright. • Anchor confidence in God’s sovereignty – Psalm 31:15: “My times are in Your hands.” • Stay fueled by prayer and Scripture – Acts 6:4: devotion to the word and prayer girds the soul for any eventuality. • Walk in fellowship with believers – Hebrews 10:24-25: mutual encouragement readies the church for faith-stretching moments. • Maintain an evangelistic posture – Philippians 1:20: “That now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” • Hold an eternal perspective – 2 Timothy 4:6-8: finishing the race with eyes on the crown transforms impending departure into worship. Encouragement from Others Who Glorified God • Stephen – Acts 7:55-60: bold witness in death reflected Christ’s own. • Peter – John 21:19: foretold death became an occasion to honor God. • Paul – Philippians 1:21: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Living Ready, Moment by Moment Readiness for a decisive “hour” is forged in ordinary minutes. As we abide in Christ, pursue holiness, and trust His purposes, the Spirit shapes us into people who, when the critical moment arrives, will—like our Lord—glorify the Father in word, deed, and even the manner of our departure. |
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