To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever.
Summary: Our God and Father is worthy of all honor and glory — always.
It has been a long journey through Paul’s letter to the Philippians! Each meditation has explored only one facet of the passage or word it focuses on. God’s Word is amazing in its depth and breadth of meaning (Isaiah 55:9). I am reminded of John’s words at the end of his Gospel:
“Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” (John 21:25)
Paul’s closing call, “To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever,” is a fitting tribute to the power behind Paul’s ministry.
Paul knows Jesus personally. He knows what it is like to be confronted by the Living God. He well remembers what being blinded by the Light felt like. He knows who it is he serves.
When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, he started with this:
“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9-10)
Jesus is always pointing his disciples and us to the Father, and for good reason. When the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) goes home, he doesn’t go to the older brother or the one who supervises the servants. He goes directly to his father.
Isn’t that what Jesus wants us to do, too?
Jesus wants the Father’s name to be “hallowed.” It is not a word we use much these days, but it is still a good word. To “hallow” something is to acknowledge it as holy.
The word Paul uses for glory is “dóxa.” It means something very similar to “hallowed.” Paul wants God’s name to have dignity, glory, honor, praise, and worship.
In a way, Paul is saying, “Don’t praise me for my teachings or what I have written.” He realizes that he is unusually knowledgeable and well-trained in the ancient writings of the Torah, and he knows that his passion and zeal stand out as unusual among people. Yet, even though he is the famous Paul the Apostle, he wants us to remember that the glory is not his. It all belongs to the Father.
Application: Give God the glory!
Food for Thought: How does putting Paul on a pedestal impact our relationship with God?
I think anytime that we put anyone or anything on a pedestal other than the Lord, it diminishes or distracts us from a proper view of the Lord.
For example, “Saint” Nicolas was a godly man who loved the Lord and loved it. He was humble and not wanting notoriety but for all glory to go to God. I think he might be displeased that Christmas is often about Santa Claus bringing gifts rather than the gift of Jesus that God gave to us. While seemingly innocuous , if we put Santa Claus on a pedestal and give him glory, it can distract from the One we really need to see and worship. I think anytime we put someone on a pedestal we tend to exalt their worthiness (worship) as opposed to giving worship where it should really be – with the Lord.
Exodus 34: 14: Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.
Thank you, Rich.
You are pointing us to that fine line between God’s will and social pressure to conform. I think the world points to “Santa” precisely because he is not God.
How does putting Paul on a pedestal impact our relationship with God?
To do so would could cause others to take their eyes off Jesus and believe their salvation could be provided as they live within rules and rituals developed by men. To place persons, or any created thing above our true creator is to diminish our creator as we elevate created things above Him.
Believers must seek to become small, allowing Jesus to become rightfully big in our lives. Make ourselves last as we put others first. Serve rather than seeking to be served, and give rather than receive. As we seek to become the least of all, we will find peace which comes through obedience to His will over our own.
ROMANS 1:25, They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
John 14:6, Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Matthew 6:33, But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
1 Corinthians 10:31, So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Thank you, Ron!
Like Rich, you are pointing to that same fine line! It is, indeed, all about Jesus.
Thank you Ron!
Being small is a big order.