Jul 06 – A Voice Like Thunder!

“Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.” (John 12:28)

As Jesus sensed that the hour of His death was drawing near, He prayed, “Father, glorify Your name.” The death of every Christian should likewise bring glory to the name of God.

The Scripture says: “A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.” (Ecclesiastes 7:1)

The end of a life should be more glorious than its beginning. Though one’s beginnings may be humble, the conclusion should be marked by spiritual victory and honour.

We live in a world filled with curses, darkness, sickness, betrayals, and troubles. When the fallen angels were cast down, the earth became a place of disorder and desolation. When mankind fell into sin, the ground itself came under a curse and began to produce thorns and thistles.

Jesus knew that the death He was about to endure would involve unimaginable suffering. He knew that He would wear a crown of thorns, be exposed to public shame, and hang upon a cross before the eyes of men. He knew that He would be subjected to ridicule, rejection, and humiliation.

Those who were crucified often cursed the crowd, blasphemed God, and cried out in unbearable agony. But Jesus transformed His hour of suffering into an hour of prayer. His desire was to glorify the Father even in death.

His prayer in Gethsemane reflected this longing: “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.” (John 17:4–5)

The prophet Isaiah foresaw this scene and declared: “He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” (Isaiah 53:12)

Because Jesus glorified the Father even in His death, He was able to win souls even at that moment. The thief hanging beside Him on the cross found salvation through the grace that flowed from Christ’s sacrifice.

Today many people are afraid of death. Some avoid even passing by a cemetery. Others withdraw in fear whenever they encounter a funeral procession. Yet the Word of God reminds us: “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27)

Children of God, may your life’s conclusion be complete, victorious, and full of glory. May your final testimony bring honour to the Lord whom you have served.

Verse for further meditation: “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.” (Psalm 116:15)