Hans Sangtoki Bible Reading: John 17:1-26
“Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.” (John 17:24)
John 17 is Jesus’ prayer for His disciples and all Christians who would come after them, which He prayed before heading towards the cross. Jesus prayed that His people would be united with Him and receive eternal life, which is to know Him and have a relationship with Him forever.
Because of what Christ has done on the cross, all these prayers have been answered and are a “Yes” and “Amen” for all those who believe and are in Christ to the glory of God (see 2 Corinthians 1:20). But, Jesus did not only pray that all these things would happen, that we would be made one with Him (v. 21), receive glory as Christ was glorified (v. 22), receive God’s love (v. 23), and be made perfect (v. 23). Jesus also prayed that we would see His glory and realise consciously for ourselves that we are recipients of all the spiritual blessings in Christ.
Receiving the world’s greatest gift and seeing and comprehending what we have received are two completely different things. For example, we could find an old watch at a two-dollar shop and wear it every single day without ever realising that, in fact, the watch was a World War I relic worth millions of dollars! When one day we stumble upon this truth, our attitude towards our watch would completely change. We would stop wearing it every day. We would give it a very good clean and place it in a safe box for security and good keeping.
The same is true when we realise who we are as recipients of God’s grace. We know in theory that to be saved is the greatest gift of all. But, rarely do we comprehend and experience what it truly means to be saved. If we did, our lives would be radically changed. But, do we want to be changed? Do we want to see His glory, and therefore our own glory which Christ has given to us?
Well, this is what Christ desires for us! If we desired to know God but Christ did not, we would have no hope. But if it is Christ who prays these things for us, we have assurance and certainty that His will will take place in our lives. God longs that we grow to see the multifaceted wonders of the treasure of grace He has given us — a union with Him.
To be saved is one thing. It happens in a moment, in the instance, we believe. But, to know what it means to be saved, to know God our Saviour, and to know who we now are in Christ is a life-long endeavour. Not only life-long but eternity-long, for we were created to know God and enjoy Him forever!
If one day you found a hidden treasure in some field. This treasure was worth enough to make you and your future generations billionaires. Wouldn’t there be an urgency to grab hold of that treasure and secure it for yourself?
The Christian has received an eternal treasure far greater than any sum of wealth. How he ought to desperately get hold of it crying, “Lord, show me Thy glory!”
Lord, you desire that we be united with You and see Your glory. In Christ, all Your promises are “Yes” and “Amen” for those who believe. Show us Your glory, Lord, and draw us closer to see You and the treasure we have received. Hasten us to know You and forgive us for our slumber. Forgive us, for we are too consumed with the world. Dim our eyes to the world to see Your glory all the more. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Hans Sangtoki (18) is the coordinator of RE Generation Z. He has a passion for serving his generation and sharing hope in Christ. He also has an interest in classical music and dreams of conducting an orchestra one day.