Pastor's Corner

for Sunday Aug 1st
Glorify God even in death?
Jesus said this to let him [Peter] know by what kind of death he [Peter] would glorify God.” (John 21:19) I was struck by these words of Jesus to Peter. Jesus is telling Peter that he would die a martyr’s death and that this is not a tragedy but a victory! There is comfort in these words – you will bring glory to God even in your death! Peter at the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus had run away from death, but now, Jesus says, when his moment of death does come he will not fail but will bring glory to God in his death. Remember, Jesus had risen from the dead when he said this to Peter; the significance of this would not have been lost on Peter. Jesus’ death had glorified God because it was the ultimate expression of faith in God. Jesus’ resurrection proved that Jesus faith in God was not misplaced. It also proved that even in death Satan cannot separate us from God but in fact in death he places us in God’s hands! What a victory?! What glory?! Peter and every other martyr who has died for their faith in Jesus prove that even in death God is victorious! It is my desire and prayer that in my life I will bring glory to God and when it is my time to die, I pray that God be glorified in that too. What greater desire for a Christian can there be than to bring glory to God even in our death?
Pastor Don.