Scripture

John 17:1-5

When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.

Prayer

Father, I find it hard to believe. You ask me to believe and that is what you desire from me but I find it hard to believe.  Hard to believe that Jesus paid the price for me completely.  Hard to believe that there is nothing for me to do for my salvation.  Hard for me to believe that your steadfast love is for me. Hard to believe that i am your child.  Hard to believe that you see me as righteous.  Hard for me to believe that i do not need to prove myself to you.  Hard for me to believe that my own striving for righteousness or at least my definition of righteousness does matter for your favour.  Help me in my unbelief.

Meditation

God is glorified through Christ completed work.  Jesus hasn’t made it to the cross yet.  He hasn’t been resurrected but in this prayer we has said he has accomplished the work.  The work of making God known and the work of holding those who belong to God.  A life of complete obedience. A life that reveals and holds the Justice and Mercy of God.  A life that is Truth and Grace in concert. Jesus is the great confronter and comforter.  This is the completed work.  God is revealed and made known through Jesus life.  

It is hard for me to complete the work that has been given to me. Jesus said that we are to believe.  Believe in him and know God.  Be placed in a right relationship with God through Jesus life.  I want a bigger slice of the pie. I want more credit.  It really isn’t worthy living a right life if i don’t get the pat on the back i think i deserve.  Believe.  It seems to simple.  There must be more.  

Christ has done it and God is glorified.  We are the product of that glory.  We are those who reflect that glory.  Our life is not one of striving for perfection but believing in the perfection that is done.  Our life is not a push toward complete obedience but believing in the obedience accomplished.  We live a life of response.  That is a life of worship.  A life that brings glory.

Action

Practise the art of believing.  It takes trust in order to believe.  Find some friends and do some trust falls.  Have your spouse lead you blindfolded through the house.  Get a group of friends a trust circle.