20 Jan February 28th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S SECOND LETTER TO THE  CHURCH AT THESSALONICA

JESUS BE GLORIFIED

2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 “With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power He may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. (Yesterday’s Devotional Verse)  We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

A famous football player scores a touchdown and then looks up to the heaven’s and lifts up his fingers pointing toward God.  This is his way of giving glory to God for the athletic blessings he has received.  Kyle Barton wrote, “ . . . a vague or shallow notion of what glorifying God is all about, can lead to its devaluation. To glorify God is not to give Him a casual, perfunctory nod in an interview. It is the most significant and privileged event we can participate in. It is what we were created for.”

The Angels at Christ’s birth sang, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14)     “ . . . God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11

In worship you sing the “common doxology.”  In the simple words of the doxology you sing, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him all creatures here below, Praise Him above you heavenly host, Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.”  In genuine worship of the Triune God you speak these words because you have been chosen by Him to be His son or daughter.  You sing these words because your heavenly Father has forgiven you all your sins.  You shout these words in exuberant joy that you sit at Jesus’ very throne as your King, invited into His presence out of His grace and mercy to honor and praise Him who has redeemed you.  You sing these words to the Holy Spirit who has called you to faith in Jesus and keeps you in that faith to life everlasting.  To Him, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be all glory and honor now and forever. Amen.

Prayer:  Dear Jesus, I give glory, honor and praise to You, my Redeemer and Lord.  Amen.

At the name of Jesus, Ev’ry knee shall bow,

Ev’ry tongue confess Him King of glory now.

“Tis the Father’s pleasure We should call Him Lord,

Who from the beginning Was the mighty Word.

At His voice creation Sprang at once to sight,

All the angel faces, All the hosts of light,

Thrones and bright dominions, Stars upon their way,

All the heav’nly orders In their great array.

Humbled for a season, To receive a name

From the lips of sinners Unto whom He came,

Faithfully He bore it Spotless to the last,

Brought it back victorious When from death He passed;

Bore it up triumphant With its human light,

Through all ranks of creatures To the central height,

To the throne of Godhead, To the Father’s breast,

Filled it with the glory of That perfect rest.

In your hearts enthrone Him; There let Him subdue

All that is not holy, All that is not true;

Crown Him as your captain In temptation’s hour;

Let His will enfold you In its light and pow’r.

Christians, this Lord Jesus Shall return again

In His Father’s glory, With His angel train;

For all wreaths of empire Meet upon His brow,

And our hearts confess Him King of glory now.

Glory then to Jesus, Who, the Prince of light,

To a world in darkness Brought the gift of sight;

Praise to God the Father; In the Spirit’s love

Praise we all together Him who reigns above.

(LSB 512)