Glory - Pastor's Pen for 23rd November 2025

John 7:18 records these words of Jesus; "Those who speak on their own seek their own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and there is nothing false in him."

Jesus was indicating to his fractious listeners that he was not just 'blowing his own trumpet', but was an integral part of God's mission to the world. He was and is both the messenger and the message. His words were not just human words, but the words of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Sadly, it is too easy to observe many so-called leaders around the world, in business, politics and other spheres, who are in love with their own fame and the sound of their own voice. They serve number one, not other people, not the poor and oppressed, or even the middle classes. God gets lip service. For example, take the USA; When a gilded ballroom takes priority over healthcare, education and social assistance for those in need, the society has a serious problem. Scripture is very clear that God's heart is for the poor and oppressed. "Those who speak on their own seek their own glory..."

A preacher who does not heed these words of Jesus, does so at his or her peril. If we preach to make ourselves seem funny, or clever, or famous, we miss the point. We must seek to serve our listeners in the congregation and somehow bring glory to the one who called us. Without the enabling work of the Holy Spirit, this is perhaps impossible. "...the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and there is nothing false in him."

The lesson for all of us from John 7 is that it is possible, as the Holy Spirit enables us, to discern the motives of both prominent leaders and people in general. Ask a simple question; What or who are they seeking to glorify or uplift? The kingdom of God is a different kind of jurisdiction to what we are currently living in. God is glorified in acts of service for those in need from a humble heart that wants to follow Jesus. All the glory belongs with God, glory upon glory. Shalom