Day 17

Scripture

“I have given them the glory you gave me, that they may be one as we are one.” – John 17:22 (The words of Jesus)

Devotional

I was eighteen years old when I moved to Colorado for Bible school. I waited for this day for years. I couldn’t wait to meet the legendary “Mrs.T”, who started the Torchbearers ministry with her husband in England. She had been a friend of my Nana, and I was desperate to have a cup of tea with her.

We had spent quite some time talking when she brought out two feathers. She said, “Molly, hold these feathers. Do you notice the difference between them?” I noticed one was smooth and crisp. Everything was exactly in its place. The other was ruffled, discolored, and worn.

“This feather feels new, and this feather feels old.” Me, entirely missing her point. “No, no, no!” she exclaimed in her Northern Irish accent.

“This one,” she clutched her fragile hand over the crisp one, “This one is not real.” She took the ruffled, worn feather from my hand and held it up, “This one, however, is real. It’s traveled the world. It’s lived. It’s beautiful. This is Christ in you, the hope of glory!”

How gracious is it that we get to see how Jesus prays? He spends these moments praying to be glorified in His death (v. 5) and to be glorified through us (v. 10). Often, we think of glory as something achieved through fame. The glory of an athlete winning a gold medal or a battle won in war. The irony is that Christ’s glory was achieved in His death on the cross. His glory manifested in conquering death on the cross, rising from the grave, and ultimately, we are called to allow His glory to manifest through us!

Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27), reaches into the depths of our hearts and presents us with who we are and why we were created. The feather that was ruffled and worn was not appealing to look at. You could tell beyond a shadow of a doubt that it struggled. But it was real, and it told a story. I believe the manifestation of Christ’s glory in us comes through a life lived full and well for the Lord. It is not easy or magical, but life with Christ is full and rich. What a privilege it is to even call Him friend! Our stories bring Him glory, and He prayed for this (v. 22).

If Christ could ask the Father to glorify Him, even in death, how do you think He will glorify Himself in your life? Are you living and breathing everyday in hope that Christ is glorified through you? The best in all of this is that we just have to invite him to be glorified in our lives. Whether you’re washing dishes, leading a company of hundreds, reading a story to your children, driving home from work…whatever you do, ask Him to be glorified in it (1 Corinthians 10:31). Let your life be a worn feather telling the story of Christ’s love for you.

Prayer

“Lord, please be glorified in every part of my life. I want you to be a part of every decision, every breath, and every thought I have. Thank you for guarding me and allowing me to live a rich, full life, steeped in your grace and protection. You know me and you love me. Use my story to tell others of your love for me! Amen.”