“Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.” – John 12:27, 28

Scripture reading: John 12:26-36

As we draw near to those great days of remembrance for all Christians: Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter, let us prepare our hearts by reflecting on the saving work of the Lord Jesus and His cross. By His life and death, Jesus glorified the Father. He showed us God’s everlasting love, His grace and His mercy. In His prayer in John 12, Jesus showed His concern was that He would glorify the Father’s name. By the resurrection, the Father glorified the Son.

We believers know that the divine Son of God obediently accomplished His Father’s will. He gave His life on our behalf. The cross is a sign of Christ’s victorious obedience. It is a symbol of God’s glorious love.

By faith let us share, as His disciples, Jesus’ will and spirit. Let us come to know our purpose: that like our Master we are to serve the Lord. By our faith, let us glorify the Name of God. Let us find in our hearts the glory of the cross. We find wonder and inspiration in the work of Jesus. God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself (2 Corinthians 5:19). May our response to Christ, our faith in Him, motivate us to serve Him in loving obedience, taking up our cross and following Him. This is our challenge, as we remember all that Jesus did. May we, as humble disciples, follow our Master by living in wholehearted service to our God.

Suggestions for prayer

Pray that the Lord will open your eyes to opportunities for service. Pray for spiritual strength to live a life that glorifies God.

Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary, providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.