The Hope of Glory

"And now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world began"-John 17:5 (NIV).

Imagine giving up your "glory" for a season. That's nigh impossible, so imagine giving up what good you feel in your societal acceptance. Our perceptions by others are very important to us. Remember the pimple on your face that felt like a blinking red beacon? How about the haircut from the stylist who never saw you again after that botched job? Even the smaller issues can be blown out of proportion: spilled liquid on the crotch of your pants, a pantyhose run blazing up the side of your leg, high water pant legs...you get my drift. These things can have us feeling anxious, hiding away where no one can see us, and we would certainly never choose this discomfort. We fear rejection. Jesus gave up His glory for us, sinners, who rejected Him. Why would He do that? Because "God so loved the world," you and me, and now we get to share in Jesus' glory (John 3:16; Romans 8:18). Jesus' prayer, "I have given them the glory that You gave Me, that they may be one as We are One," is one of God's most beautiful gifts (John 17:22). He has shared His glory with us. "To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).