The Final Purpose

I can remember what is called the High Priestly Prayer of John 17 from my earliest days of Scripture reading.  We know that Jesus taught about prayer and we know that He went to deserted places to pray, but this section of the Word opens up a window which enables us to hear the heart of Jesus in a powerful way.  Last night while reading once again this prayer, I found myself getting stopped in my mental tracks as I read the fourth verse which says, "I glorified You on earth by finishing the work that You gave me to do."  There was no need to read any farther.  I knew I needed to sit and let my soul soak in this Word of Jesus.  

One of the things we want in our spiritual life is to be useful to God.  The Apostle Paul spoke of pressing on which is what those of us who are retired clergy like to think we are doing in these bonus years when ministry begins to take on shapes not previously seen.  Here though is a word for each of us which gives us assurance that as long as we are breathing this earth's air, we can still live in such a way as to bring glory to God. No follower of Jesus could ask for anything more than to know at the end that every ounce of living and serving has brought glory to God.  I have lived with the belief that we are here until God's purpose for us is completely accomplished.  At the same time I have seen some struggle so at the end that I wondered what purpose God could possibly be accomplishing by continuing the earthly life of the one suffering.  

It is a question I have asked in the darkness of watching someone suffer in their slow movement toward eternity.  I cannot say that an answer came that was totally understood.  I cannot say with honesty that there was even an answer given.  What I do know is that I have trusted God all my days and that is not going to change in these days when past is longer than future.  Like you, I am grateful that all my days can bring glory to the God who has been so gracious to us all.