God's Glory

I greet you in Jesus’ precious name! It is Friday morning, the 17th of October, 2025, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We go to the Book of Acts 13:25. This is Paul speaking and he says: “And as John (John the Baptist) was finishing his course, he said, ‘Who do you think I am? I am not He. But behold, there comes One after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to loose.’ Then we confirm it in the Gospel of John 1:19-20: “Now this is the testimony of John, (John the Baptist) when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” We need to be so careful, you and I, that we don’t touch God’s glory. I remember a beautiful story I read long ago about St. Francis of Assisi, a man who gave up his wealth to live in the countryside, where he rebuilt a small monastery and cared for the poor, the needy, and society's outcasts. One day, some people came to him and said, “There is a young baby in the village who has been born and is severely physically handicapped. Please come and pray for the baby so that God can heal the baby.” Francis said, “No, I can’t do that because if I heal that baby you will think it was me and then you will start to worship me. I can’t do that. They said, “Please” - the parents were there, they were begging him. Eventually, reluctantly, he came to the village. He saw the little baby in the cot was completely physically handicapped. He laid his hands on the baby and in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the Healer, he prayed, “Be healed.” The little baby opened up, started smiling, gurgling, and the people were ecstatic. He was completely restored to normal. They were so overwhelmed by the miracle of God that they did not even notice that Francis of Assisi quietly disappeared. As they turned around to thank him and to admire what God had done through him, he was nowhere to be seen. Today, be careful we do not touch God’s glory. Do not draw people to yourself. John the Baptist never did that. Draw people to Jesus Christ! Have a wonderful day, God bless you and goodbye.