Exchanging Agency for Glory
Read
“‘I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.’ Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, ‘Follow me.’” John 21:18-19
Reflect
Looking at the trees in my yard, one stands out from the rest---—a tired looking maple with a thinning trunk, bare branches, and crumbling bark. A life cycle drawing to a close, completing its circuit far from former blooming glory-—beautiful, all the same.
Similarly, all of us find ourselves at a specific point on our lives’ timeline-—whether it be in the flower of youth, or perhaps within the slowing splendor of quiet gloaming.
A significant difference between us and the trees is this: unlike them, we are not given over entirely to the power of our environments. We have also been given the beauty of choice, sentience, voluntary movement, and self-sustenance–agency. Yet Jesus longs for us to trust Him with what He’s given us by giving it back to Him.
It’s Peter’s agency Jesus is addressing in the passage above. “One day, you will become powerless and it will glorify Me.”
This is a pattern we see throughout scripture. The Kingdom, the power, and the glory of God come in exchange for the power and glory of those who follow Him.
John the Baptist said, “He must increase, and I must decrease.” John 3:30
Jesus told Paul, “In your weakness, My power is made perfect.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
James, the brother of Jesus said, “Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will exalt you.” James 4:10
It was through this lens and by the words of Jesus that Peter was able to say, “… you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for ‘All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of the field. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.’” 1 Peter 1:24-25
So, where are you? Do you find yourself in seasons of falling flowers or fresh, budding life? Can you sense Jesus’ heart longing to meet you right now? How does your agency become an offering to the Lord?
In today’s prayer guide, let us examine our hearts and ask Jesus, “What parts of my life are you inviting me to trust You with today?”
Breathing Prayer
As we enter together into the Presence of God, let’s begin with a simple breathing prayer. We’ll incorporate the prayer “I give You my all” into 5 cycles of breath.
Breathe in (4 seconds)
Hold (4 seconds)
Breathe out “I” (4 seconds)
Hold (4 seconds)
Breathe in (4 seconds)
Hold (4 seconds)
Breathe out “give” (4 seconds)
Hold (4 seconds)
Breathe in (4 seconds)
Hold (4 seconds)
Breathe out “You” (4 seconds)
Hold (4 seconds)
Breathe in (4 seconds)
Hold (4 seconds)
Breathe out “my” (4 seconds)
Hold (4 seconds)
Breathe in (4 seconds)
Hold (4 seconds)
Breathe out “all” (4 seconds)
Hold (4 seconds)
Practicing Presence With Jesus
Now, in a comfortably seated position, with your feet on the floor and hands relaxed on your lap, spend the next few minutes allowing Jesus to make you aware of:
Five things you see—ask Jesus, “What do You want me to notice about that?”
Four things you can feel in or on your body—ask Jesus, “What would You like me to remember?”
Three things you can hear—ask the Holy Spirit, “What would You like to say to me?”
Two things you can smell—ask the Father, “What do You long for me to know about You?”
One thing you taste—ask Jesus, “Where are You at work, and how may I join You?”
Amen.