“Lord, Save Me From This Hour” or “Lord, Glorify Your Name!”?
One day there was a stir in the little town in Mexico where I was living and carrying out ministry. The news was that a small group of fishermen had not returned to shore at the expected time and were likely adrift in strong winds. It turned out their motor had failed and they had no way to keep their course. When they were finally rescued by the Coast Guard, they were many miles down the coastline.
When we feel we have a need to be rescued, there are different ways we can react. Complaining. Giving up. Trying to fix things ourselves. And, as many do when there doesn’t seem to be any other answer, praying to God to save us.
Doing what we can, and asking God for deliverance and guidance, will always . . . . be part of a Christian response to difficulties, challenges, and unpleasant situations. However, Jesus adds another layer. A deeper one.
As he announced to his disciples his death in the near future, he let them in on his thoughts:
27 “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!” (John 12:27-28).
Whatever else would happen, he wanted his Father’s name to be glorified.
We can’t always expect to be “rescued.” Sometimes we will have to walk right through dark valleys. Even when we’re not saved from unpleasantness in life, God’s glory will shine through.
For Jesus it was the glory of salvation. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself. (John 12:32) For us it will be the glory of God’s strength upholding us and attracting others to the Word through God’s working in our lives.
Our greatest desire in trials is “Lord, glorify your name”!