By Jeffery M. Leonard, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, Samford University
God’s Will and the Glory of God
John 11:1–4, 38–45
The Westminster Shorter Catechism begins with the famous question, “What is the chief end of man?” and answer, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.”
Whether one hails from a Reformed theological tradition or not there is much to commend the Catechism’s assessment of our chief purpose as human beings. As we bring to a conclusion this series of lessons on understanding the will of God it is worthwhile to consider how pursuing the glory of God goes hand in hand with discerning the will of God and ultimately with finding joy in following God.
Like many biblical terms words like “glory” and “glorify” are apt to get lost in a sea of religious jargon. We remember biblical phrases like “The whole earth is full of His glory” (Isa. 6:3) or the angels’ declaration in Luke, “Glory to God in the highest” (Luke 2:14). Our own hymns are full of language like “To God be the glory.”
What exactly does it mean for God to possess glory or for us to glorify God? Put simply God’s glory consists of the honor due Him because of the magnificence He possesses and the great deeds He has accomplished. We glorify God when we give to God the honor He deserves.
We often see notions of the glory of God expressed in terms of creation. To see God’s mighty works in creation can hardly fail to elicit praise for His greatness. Just as compelling though are those moments when Gods’ glory is expressed on a more personal level and in a more intimate setting.
Such is the case with the Bible’s account of Jesus’ raising Lazarus from the dead.
God might not work on our timetable, but He does work for His glory. (1–4)
Mary and Martha send word to Jesus telling Him their brother Lazarus is gravely ill. However, Jesus does not immediately set out for Bethany to tend to Lazarus. Instead He deliberately delays going — an act so odd John is forced to state that Jesus did indeed love Mary, Martha and Lazarus (John 11:5) since His actions may have seemed to the contrary. Jesus delayed because He knew Lazarus’ illness and death would lead to an opportunity for God to show His great glory.
To see God’s glory, we must obey Him even when it doesn’t seem to make sense. (38–43)
This opportunity arrives when Jesus, having finally made His way to Bethany, goes out to visit the tomb of now-deceased Lazarus. Though Martha and Mary and those connected to them had given up hope of Lazarus’ living again Jesus knew this was the moment when God’s power would be on full display.
Departing from the usual secrecy in which He did His miracles (see Mark 5:43) Jesus here drew full attention to what God was about to do. After praying aloud to His father Jesus called out, “Lazarus, come forth!” It was when the man, now four days dead, came stumbling out of his tomb that the people once and for all understood God’s great power.
When God demonstrates His glory people are drawn to Christ — which further glorifies God. (44–45)
All along the way in the story of Lazarus are followers of Jesus who do as He asks even when His instructions seem illogical or even dangerous. The disciples accompany Jesus to Judea even though they know they may face opposition. The mourners roll back the stone of Lazarus’ grave even though they believe him to be already in a state of decay.
Against their own better judgment the people follow what Jesus says. This lesson is for us as well: It is when we trust God and obey His will, even against our own better judgment, that we are able to see His glory and find the joy that comes from serving Him.
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