May 25-May 31

ATTENTION: I HAVE A VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT TO MAKE.
Abbey Jackson
Jonesboro, Arkansas

I am a closet fan of the Emmy's and the Grammy's. There. I said it. You might assume I watch these shows because of the fierce competition, the fashion go's and no's, or because I am a youth minister and am trying to stay "relevant" with my teenagers. Although those are some great assumptions, I really watch them because I like to watch the people who win the awards and listen to their 30 second "thank you" speeches. In fact, it doesn't stop there. I cannot buy a CD without first looking at the "Special Thanks" on the back cover of the CD. I am incredibly captivated to whom people give credit to. Everyone is glorifying something or someone. And I want to know who that is.

It is no different with John 11-14. These scriptures are packed with a common theme woven throughout the four chapters: glory. I want to look at one story, up close, however, and try to gain a better understanding of the glory of God manifested through Jesus' actions. Take a moment and re-read John 11:1-44. This, beyond a doubt, is a beautiful story. It is a story of redemption and a story of deep love. Notice when Jesus first hears word of the death of Lazarus, he replies with a simple, but profound statement. (Fitting for Jesus, eh?). "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." I hear the phrase “for God’s glory” or “glorify God” so many times. In fact, I feel like we (as Christians) are quick to say phrases like that and give it lip service. However, we do not fully realize the impact of what it means to truly glorify God. It is something much beyond simple praise and honor. It is giving credit to where credit is due. As I look back at my past week, I think about how many times it would have been easy for me to give glory to my Father. Now, I think about how many times I missed that opportunity and actually gave that honor to something or someone else. Let me end by telling you of a dear friend I recently met who is actively giving glory to God with his life. My friend, Reuben, is severely handicapped. He has been wheelchair bound for over two decades now. Even though he has a broken earthly body, Reuben is a living example of how he gives glory to God by the life he leads. He has every reason to deny God and his glory. He has every reason to glorify other things. However, he chooses to use where God has put him, and how God has made him, to ultimately bring glory to our Lord. It’s not just for Rebuen’s sake. But it is for the glory of God. And Jesus did the same thing. One of the reasons Jesus was put on the earth was to bring glory to God.

So how are you bringing glory to God? As you soak in these chapters in John this week, pay special attention to every time the word “glory” is mentioned. Read it, reflect on it, and use it. I challenge you to find one way each day to specifically bring glory to God. Who are you saying thank you to?


[Abbey Jackson graduated from Oklahoma Christian University in April 2007. Since graduation she serves on the youth ministry team at Southwest Church of Christ in Jonesboro, Arkansas. She loves to travel and is proud to say she has been on 5 continents. Abbey has a deep passion for teenagers as well as short-term mission trips. Abbey is also pursuing an Urban Youth Ministry Certificate from Fuller Theological School in Pasadena, California. She loves the Lord, loves teenagers, and especially loves Starbucks!]