And She Glorified God (Luke 13:13)

 


Wednesday, March 19, 2025


Psalm 45

Genesis 44:1-17

Luke 13:10-21


Observance: Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary


And She Glorified God (Luke 13:13)


There has been and continues to be much discussion about the mechanics of revival itself. I’m sure I am not the only one who loves hearing stories from missionaries of miraculous healings in tiny villages behind Timbuktu and entire communities therefore coming into the kingdom of God. These accounts have the aroma of romance about them; of divine winds blowing miracles into still places and divine light blazing into dark places. If we want to learn how to read the signs of the times and know what we should be doing, then it seems a good thing to learn from others.


Miracles, which happen all the time, shouldn’t be chased for the sake of them, however. As much as I would like miraculous healing for a toothache or a sore throat or a dodgy knee, the reason for God performing miracles is more important. The reason God brings about miracles is here in today’s gospel reading, as plain as day. As soon as the woman was healed, she glorified God.


Glory to God in the highest – so begins the angelic hymn. You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father, amen – so ends the hymn of humans. When the Reformers were in the midst of the greatest revival the world has yet seen, their five-part slogan ended with the triumphant Latin phrase “Soli Deo Gloria” – to the glory of God alone.


The ruler of the synagogue was indignant because he was focused on the specific mechanics; so wrapped up in laws about how animals could be looked after on the Sabbath but not humans, he did not look to the reason why he followed the laws in the first place. To the glory of God – this is our story, this is our song. To God be the glory, great things he hath done. We are dust, formed of the earth, and to dust we shall return; God is immortal, formed by no-one, forming everything, and to him be the glory forever.


Whether revival is something on our mind or not; whether we need the encouragement to get back into life, or a balm to soothe the wounds life has given us; whether we are on top of the world or in the depths of misery; to God be the glory. Whether we eat or drink, or whatever we do, do all to the glory of God, not seeking our own advantage, but that of many, so that they may be saved. (1 Corinthians 10:31-33)


Where do you see the glory of God in your life? Where has the light of God’s glory dimmed? Where might you go to find the glory of God?


God of glory, a glory proclaimed in the heaven above and the earth below: fill us with the illumination of your Holy Spirit, that we may be freed to glorify you in all that we do.

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