“…that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one –….” John 17:21-22 NIV
The verses above carry to us a little known fact. Even though this entire passage is often taught and quoted, yet this little fact is seldom mentioned. The Lord Jesus Christ has given us His glory!
Christians often quote Isaiah42:11(also 48:11) “I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols.” (NIV) We hasten to explain that we do not take to ourselves what is God’s alone. I understand how this is easy to do, for I have done it many times. However, this verse (22 above) clearly states that He has give us His glory as a part of our inheritance in Him.
The reality is, when we received Jesus Christ we became “born from above” and that means God is our Father. Therefore, giving us His glory is not giving it to another, but it is His, therefore when He lives in us, it is given to us as a family characteristic.
Our being His glory is a part of the evidence that we dwell in two dimensions – this one on earth where everyday-life occurs, and we dwell in the Heavenly realms where we hear, see and know things worked in Spirit power. Our new birth in Him did not leave us the same – instead He came, through the Holy Spirit — and lives within our beings. Therefore, we are bearers of His image and His glory.
Beloved, we need to believe the whole Bible. If we read the books of the New Covenant, we will know that the Lord has made us adequate (not of ourselves, but in the Spirit) to accomplish all He has given us to do in His power and giftedness. I believe He said something like us doing greater things than He did. That is an impossible task, unless we step into the Spirit realm and allow glory and empowerment to flow. May we possess the true humility of a full son of God living, working and praising in Him and through Him. Thank you Lord!
Mannaword 