Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
Burt Reynolds once said in jest, “But enough about me, let’s talk about my movies.” He knew his movies were not that great but, even if they were, that did not mean he was a great actor. Here is the closing benediction from Jude, a half brother of Jesus who made no mistake about who deserves praise and glory. I wonder what Jude thought of Jesus when he was alive. He may have been one of the brothers that thought he was crazy. Now though, he ascribes Lordship, glory, majesty, dominion, and authority. His brother is God, the Son!
On this National Day of Prayer, don’t let any ministry leader fall into the Burt Reynolds trap, talking about himself. All glory and majesty goes solely to Jesus Christ, Lord of lords and King of kings. It is because of him that we have any talents at all. He gave them in order to bring glory to himself, not us. Too many pastors say they are what they are by the grace of God, and then in the next breath boast about their talents. C. S. Lewis said we may as well boast about the color of our hair. We should rejoice at our works as if someone else did them, Lewis said. He is right. Jesus did it.
Dear Lord, thank you for what you did, not only on the cross but in our lives, giving us gifts to use for your glory. May we be obedient. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church