Pursuing Honor and Glory

 

 

We love recognition, adoration, and honor. Jesus’ Apostles were not any different from us:

·       Mark 10:35–40 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” And they said to him, “We are able.”

 

James and John wanted to occupy the most prestigious positions in Jesus’ kingdom. However, they weren’t aware of the costs involved. Jesus warned them that they would have to endure suffering as preparation for reigning with Him. It wouldn’t be fun and games.

 

Paul also warned that reigning with Christ would be costly:

·       2 Corinthians 4:10–11 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

 

It was certainly costly for Paul in terms of the beatings he had to endure and then a satanic “thorn in the flesh” to keep him humble amid the revelations and recognition he had been receiving. However, he regarded it as necessary preparation:

 

·       2 Corinthians 4:16–17 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.

 

Suffering is preparing us for the roles we will be performing in heaven. Yes we are to be reigning with our Lord in heaven, mediating disputes in His heavenly kingdom, training the nations in the righteousness of the Lord:

·       1 Corinthians 6:2–3 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life!

 

We will also be training Israel in the ways of the Lord:

·       Matthew 19:28 Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

 

There is nothing wrong with desiring glory and honor. Our Lord even promises that He will give us these things for us:

·       Psalm 23:5–6 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

 

However, we must first promote others to the seats of glory that we might desire for ourselves. This should start with our wives:

 

·       1 Peter 3:7 Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.