Elizabeth Elliot has had many wonderful ministries over the years. Some of you may hear her commentary on Christian radio, she has a wonderful voice and thought-provoking and comforting comments. You may also recognize her name from the movie, End of a Spear, about her first husband's death at the hands of South American tribesman and her return, toddler in tow, to evangelize that tribe.
Author: Elisabeth Elliot
Source: A Lamp For My Feet
Scripture: John 12:25
Hour of Glory
The miracle of Lazarus being raised from the grave brought the crowds waving palms to Jesus, proclaiming Him King. Even foreigners (some Greeks) heard of Him and asked his disciple Philip if they might see Him. This, surely, was his hour of glory.
Heaven's definition of glory, however, is a very different thing from earth's. "The hour has come," Jesus said to Philip and Andrew, "for the Son of Man to be glorified" (Jn 12:23 NEB). Then He illustrated his meaning: a grain of wheat is merely a solitary grain until it dies. It is death that brings glory, the glory of the rich harvest. It was not popular acclaim but popular rejection and his own suffering and death that constituted his "hour of glory," and He prayed to be spared that hour.
The one who would serve Him must understand the conditions. He must follow--into death--that is, he must "lose himself." Then, the promise is that he will be "kept safe for eternal life" (Jn 12:25) and honored by the Father. The hour of glory is the hour of suffering--seen from heaven's side.
Lord, be near us in our pain and grant us the clear eye of faith to see it from heaven's perspective. Jesus walked this road. Help us to follow him gladly.
