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Everything Comes From God - John 17
Everything Comes From God - John 17
It is interesting to note that Jesus eight times refers to what ‘you have given me’ in his prayer to the Father in John 17. Eight times! (John 17:4, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 22, 24). In these references, he speaks of the work that he was doing to (4), the words (teaching) that He was given (8), His disciples (9, 11, 12, 24), His glory (24). He states that “everything You have given me is from You” (vs. 7).
Everything belongs to God as He is the creator and sustainer of ALL. All that we have is then a stewardship; an obligation and responsibility to oversee that which belongs to another. Our money, our material possessions, our very lives. Israel was reminded in Deuteronomy 8:16-18
16 "In the wilderness He fed you manna which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do good for you in the end. 17 "Otherwise, you may say in your heart, 'My power and the strength of my hand made me this wealth.' 18 "But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
Paul acknowledges this stewardship of all things when he asked the Corinthians “what do you have that you did not receive” (1Cor. 4:7). Such stewardship is not only to be acknowledged but to be performed ‘to the glory of God’. Such involves not only our material goods but also our abilities. Peter acknowledges this stewardship: “10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:10-11).
Bottom line: “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.“ (1 Cor. 10:31).We are to do all for His glory for He is worthy of all glory and honor (Rev. 4:11). Are you asking yourself: “How can I glorify God by doing this”? IS God being glorified by your stewardship?
Hugh DeLong
