Does God know how your life will glorify him?

 

The story of the Apostle Peter in the New Testament book of John offers insight into this question.

 

Jesus appears (for the third time) for his fishing followers on the beach after a fishless fishing trip. It is morning. There is little doubt that they are tried and probably aggravated and have nothing to show for their efforts.

 

Jesus helps them by telling them to try one more time—success; a boatload of fish, 153 to be precise.

 

Peter leaves his fellow fishermen in the boat and swims ashore to meet with Jesus.

 

He sees a fire with some fish and bread ready to eat.

 

After breakfast, Jesus pulls Peter aside, asking him the same question three times.

 

“After breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Master, you know I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

John 21:15 The Message

 

The Bible isn’t clear whether Peter understood that Jesus was saying his mission was to care for God’s people.

 

However, Jesus did not stop there. He continued his conversation with Peter.

 

“I’m telling you the very truth now: When you were young you dressed yourself and went wherever you wished, but when you get old you’ll have to stretch out your hands while someone else dresses you and takes you where you don’t want to go. He said this to hint at the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. And then he commanded, “Follow me.”

John 21:18-19 The Message

 

It is believed that Peter was around 30 years old when this happened.

 

History tells us that the Apostle Peter was between 64 and 67 years old when he was put to death by crucifixion.

 

Over 30 years before it happened, Jesus told Peter that death by crucifixion would glorify God the Father.

 

Jesus gave Peter a mission—feed my lambs and sheep. But he also told him how his life would bring glory to God.

 

Tradition tells us that Peter requested to be crucified upside down because he was not worthy to be crucified like Jesus.

 

It is unknown if that happened, but it is noteworthy because it reveals his heart towards God the Son.

 

 

While a touching story, what does it have to do with your life?

 

God cares about humanity.

 

The Apostle Peter speaks about this in his second letter.

 

“God isn’t late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn’t want anyone lost. He’s giving everyone space and time to change. ”

II Peter 3:9 The Message

 

The apostle says that God the Father is holding back the end because he doesn’t want anyone lost. He is giving everyone space and time to change.

 

For this reason, your life is meant to show the goodness of God. Whether you open your mouth and deliver a sermon (or message) or live it out quietly, you are letting humanity know that God is good and he cares for them.

 

 

Your mission will last a lifetime and bring glory to God.

 

 

The end of your life will be no different.

 

I hope you will agree that death by crucifixion is not a desirable way to die.

 

However, Jesus told Peter that his death by crucifixion would glorify God.

 

What if the end of your life came from some horrible disease?

 

What if God chose cancer to be the vehicle that ushered you into eternity with the Godhead?

 

What if being put to death by godless people was the method God chose to bring you to your eternal home?

 

 

Would it be worth it if it brought glory to God?

 

 

I cannot tell you how Peter being crucified brought glory to God. Neither can I tell you how some horrible death would do the same.

 

But is it worth it if it is the method God has chosen to bring glory to his name?

 

Consider this.

 

Death brings the Christ follower into the presence of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

 

It does not matter if it is a peaceful or violent death; for the Christ-follower, the result is the same—heaven and the presence of God.

 

It isn’t the happiest subject, so perhaps focusing on the first part (the mission) will be more pleasing.

 

“Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand – shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. ”

Matthew 5:16 The Message

 

A close personal relationship with the Godhead is needed now more than ever.

 

A close personal relationship with the Godhead is a journey. I invite you to follow along. As I learn, I will pass it along so you, too, can learn. It is my hope that as you learn, you can pass it along so that I (and others) might learn.