Glory and Excellence

Bulletin

Dan Peters
07/23/23 - Character

The apostles themselves describe this higher calling as it applied to them and us. “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, ”(2 Peter 1:3). God is calling us to his glory. Jesus himself had glory on earth (John 1:14) and another glory in heaven (John 17:5). Even flowers have a glory that attracts us, “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” (Mat. 6:28-29). The glory of that flower draws our attention, but we do not want to become a flower. Jesus has a glory and a moral excellence about him that should make us stop, admire, seek.
Jesus, in contrast to that flower, has made it possible that we can become like him in glory. If you believe Jesus lived a better life than you, you can throw away your life, and start over. It is that simple. Jesus gives himself to us in at least two ways. He dies on the cross receiving in his body the due penalty of our sins. Jesus being God himself, is the only one capable of doing this. Our personal sins afflict him, and he permits it, takes it on the chin sorta speak, (Read Isaiah chapter 53 for details). Taking ultimate responsibility of my actions is only for God to take, but I must be yoked to this responsibility also. I am accountable for my every action. When I believe deeply in the message of the cross, transformation can take place. I am called to be born again of water and spirit (John 3:1-5, Mat. 28:18-20).
Now I can learn to be like what so attracted me to Jesus in the first place. It has nothing to do with his physical appearance for we do not know the color of his hair, skin or eyes. It is the color of his spirit that is so marvelous and refreshing. He loves in a way that is not superficial, or self-serving. He forgave. He helped the helpless. They came by the thousands, “In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” (Luke 12:1). How unattractive is hypocrisy. How unlike his own glory and excellence. Be sensitive to reality. Don’t mask over ugliness in the inside. I must now learn to think like he did, copy his thoughts, words, and recognize when I don’t.
After rebuking the cities who were unwilling to change/repent he said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt. 11:28-29). I have more than his calling card. He is calling me now with something that rings louder than my cell, and more exciting than a text message from a friend. Just look at Him in all his glory! What an excellent life!
DP