For The Glory Of God :: Deeper Devotion

By Glenn Ansley

John 17:24
Father, I desire that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am, in order that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me; for Thou didst love Me before the foundation of the world.

The prayers of Jesus are a beautiful window between us and God. They reflect the purest and most intimate relationship that ever existed. Within Jesus’ prayers, we witness God speaking to God. When we read John 17, we are listening to an intimate communication between the Father and the Son talking about you, me, and the purpose of our existence.

One of our greatest mistakes as Christians is to believe that God created us for the pleasure of a relationship. While God does take joy in the relationship He has with His children, it is important that we remember He did not need to create us for that relationship. John 17:24 points out that Jesus and the Father loved each other intimately before the foundations of the earth. Each member of the Trinity has always been in a perfect relationship with the other two. Never has there been a time, or will there ever be a time, when our great God will have to look anywhere outside of Himself for the satisfaction of community. This is not why we were created. This is not why you exist.

You and I exist only to bring to God the glory that He deserves. Once you understand the reason for your existence, and begin prioritizing your life to that purpose, you will discover a joy unattainable by any other means. If your purpose is to glorify God with your entire life, nothing else will satisfy your longing for self-worth or importance. Your importance is evident in your existence. God did not need you, and yet, He considered you important. Your ability to bring glory to the name of God is a privilege that cannot be ignored.

Those who refuse to accept the purpose of their existence and those who fail to live their life for the very reason they were created will only find discontentment, heartbreak and loneliness… it is for this reason that Jesus prays for us, “Father, I desire that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am, in order that they may behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me; for Thou didst love Me before the foundation of the world.”

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