the glory train‏

^{John 17: 6} “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. ⁷ Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. ⁸ For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. ⁹ I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. ¹⁰ All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. ¹¹ I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of^[ your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one.
Who was the most famous disciple or who was the most important apostle? 


Was it Peter or Paul? That kind of question makes no sense in the life of a Christian. In the world of entertainment or sports or finance we ask that kind of question like: "Who is on top of the ladder of success or fame? Christians may make a powerful impact on their generation so we know the reputation of Billy Graham or Mother Theresa. But the credit belongs to God. A true mark of living in the Kingdom and not in the world is that we don't need recognition by other people or the media."

It's like a having a "non-compete " clause in your contract. The result is that when we are "one in the Spirit" we rejoice when our sister or brother does well. There is a sense of unity in doing God's will to bring back the world for God. The Father sent his Son with his powerful Word. He gave that Word to his disciples and they accepted that Word and recognized that it came from heaven. Their common belief that Christ is the Way to the Father enabled them to go to the ends of the earth and proclaim the gospel.
The word we speak to lift up Jesus comes from the Son and gives glory to the Father.

So may the words of our mouth and the meditations of the Holy Spirit be acceptable in your sight, O God, our strength and our Redeemer.

We continue to lift up Tom and the people who serve at the Mission.
Amen.