Eternal Perspective
October 21, 2022
Eternal Perspective
By Katie Pearson“The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” 2 Timothy 4:18
How did Paul persevere to the end of his life and ministry with kingdom focus? There’s only one answer: he maintained an eternal perspective. He wasn’t concerned about the journey itself because his eyes were focused and clear on the destination. He knew God’s glory because he experienced a taste of it on the road to Damascus in Acts 9, and it was so real and spectacular that he spent the rest of his life anticipating Jesus’s return.
How real is Jesus to you today? If pursuing the high calling of becoming a servant leader for God’s kingdom is what pulls you out of bed every morning, prepared to face with joy any trials that the day brings, then you are likely glimpsing God’s glory on a regular basis. If instead, you still feel trepidation, confusion about your identity, or even boredom with the ministry, then you are likely missing God’s glory. In his book, "Leading" with a Limp, Dan Allender writes:
“Glory is compelling. The more we taste, the deeper its hook in our souls, and the harder it is to dislodge the hook and flee from leadership. With all the suffering and struggle in leading others, why would we not bolt? For one reason: God pours out enough of his presence to keep us hooked. And God allures us to the point we want to know how the next episode of the story will turn out. God is playing out his plot, and reluctant and limping servants, while being humbled as leaders, are lifted up to see his glory.”
If you are missing glory in your life and leadership, God isn’t likely holding out on you. Perhaps you simply aren’t recognizing it. God’s glory isn’t an ecstatic feeling, supernatural aura, or an audible voice. Rather, it’s God’s revelation of who he is and how he wants to be known. As we see in Paul, it always has the power to change the beholder. Where is one place we can look for God’s glory today? In Jesus. He is the absolute defining image of who God is and how he wants to reveal his nature and attributes. In Christ, we see mercy, kindness, forgiveness, grace, and so much more. Beholding our Lord and Savior through worship and reading the Holy Scriptures, we are filled with the glory of God.
Reflection: Dearest brother or sister in Christ, as you complete these devotionals, may your heart hunger and thirst to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. Your faith is your greatest asset as a leader, and what will influence others to step up into their highest callings as the Lord wills. Prayerfully pursue more of God’s glory with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and you will find it in your leader, Jesus Christ. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Recommended Resource:
The Resurrected Life: Making All Things New - The Bible promises that those who are in Christ are "new creatures." But how does that transformation take place? This unique Easter-season small group Bible study provides a space in which we can discover what it truly means to live a new life. As we listen, we'll learn how the resurrection of Jesus Christ changes everything - for us. Begin the journey to new life today!
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