Whose Recognition Do You Seek? -JEHOVAH GAVE RECOGNITION TO HIS SON\

Jesus did not want honor from the religious or political leaders. But three time, Jehovah spoke directly from heaven, thus letting his Son know that he loved him.  That must have encouraged Jesus very much!  Just after Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River, Jehovah said:  "This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved."  (Matthew 3:17)  It seems that John the Baptist was the only other person who heard those words.  Then, about a year before Jesus' death, three of his apostles heard Jehovah say about Jesus:  "This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved.  Listen to him." (Matthew 17:5)  Finally, just a few days before Jesus' death, Jehovah again spoke to his Son from heaven. - JOHN 12:28.

Jesus  knew that people would call him a blasphemer and that he would die a shameful death.  Still, he prayed that God's will be done and not his. (Matthew 26:39, 42)  "He endured a torture stake, despising shame," because he wanted his Father's recognition, not the world's. (Hebrews 12:2) How did Jehovah give recognition to Jesus?

When Jesus was on earth, he prayed to have the glory that he had before, when he was in heaven with his Father. (John 17:5)  The Bible does not say anywhere that Jesus was hoping to get more than that. He was not expecting some sort of heavenly  "upgrade." But what did Jehovah do?  He honored Jesus in an unexpected way by resurrecting him to a "superior position" and giving him what no one else had received up until that time, immortal spirit life! (Philippians 2:9; 1 Timothy 6:16)  What an outstanding  acknowledgment of Jesus' faithful course.

What will help us avoid seeking approval from this world?  Keep close in mind that Jehovah always gives recognition to his faithful servants and that he often rewards  them in unexpected ways. Who knows what unexpected blessing await us in the future?  But for now, as we endure the hardships and trials of this wicked world, let us always remember that this world along with any recognition it may offer us, is passing away. (1 John 2:17) Our loving Father, Jehovah, 'is not unrighteous so as to forget our work and the love 'we show for his name.' (Hebrews 6:10)  Yes, he will  show us favor-perhaps in ways we cannot imagine now! 

Next time: Where Are Your Eyes Looking?

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