Recognition
Week beginning: 20th August, 2017 | By Mark Jones | Reigate
"The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognise him."
John 1:9-10 (NIVUK)
Last week a couple of colleagues finished a project I gave them. They did a great job. I gave it a bit of a polish and sent it out. Those who saw it were duly impressed and my colleagues were of course thrilled when I received all the credit.
I doubt that this is a unique tale within the legal profession. Colleagues and clients may not know or care how hard you worked. Maybe they want the recognition that belongs to you.
John tells how Jesus, the true light, the one through whom the entire world was made, came into the world. The world that owed its existence to him did not recognise him. It still happens, even for those to whom He has revealed himself. Our Lord humbles himself to death on a cross. We, in our sinful nature, cling to crowns rather than give Him the recognition, so any glory might come our way.
In the parable of the bags of gold, the master says 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' (Mat 25:21)
As a servant, we and others may simply be doing our duty, but we have a God who takes delight and gives us recognition for just fulfilling our job description.
So this week, do we need to learn from His example? Will there be opportunity to show others His example, so they might come to recognise Him?
Prayer points:
1. Give thanks that you know Jesus, that He has been revealed to you and you recognise who He is.
2. Receive His encouragement – "Well, done good and faithful servant… come and share your master's happiness".
3. Pray for the opportunity to glorify Him through giving due recognition to others.
