Let us show who God really is

Unloved and forgotten? When life reaches its darkest moments, questions arise. The answer is this: “Do not forget your mission.” The Chief Apostle explains to whom this applies—and why.

Jesus knew that He would be betrayed, arrested, abandoned, sentenced, and executed. He was troubled and afraid, yet He prayed: “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour?’ But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again” (John 12: 27–28).

This Bible passage was the focus of a divine service conducted on 15 March 2026 in Kirchheim/Teck, Germany.

“But for this purpose …”— the turning point

Glorify Your name? “Today we might say: show us Your nature,” explained Chief Apostle Jean-Luc Schneider. “Show us Your omnipotence. Show us Your perfection. Show us Your love.” And we might ask Him to let us experience His nature and essence. “Let people recognise who You are—and let them see it through us.”

God’s response was clear: “I have glorified Him.” This was revealed at Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan, on the mount of transfiguration as His beloved Son, and through the miracles and preaching of Jesus. “And will glorify Him again”—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The key phrase in this passage is: “But for this purpose …” With these words, Jesus remembered His mission.

Full of questions—yet sent

“It happens to us as well,” the Chief Apostle said. “Our soul becomes unsettled and restless.” Then questions arise, “Why me? Why now? Is this really necessary? Why have You forsaken Me? Do You no longer love me?”

Of course, we may always ask God for help. But the Bible text reminds us: “You, too, have a mission.” We have been called to glorify the name of God. We are to reveal His nature and show who He is.

Praying as Jesus did

If we have this awareness within us—that even now, in this difficult moment, we have this mission—then we can come to God and pray as Jesus prayed: “Lord, glorify Your name.” Such a prayer includes the following pleas:

• “Show me that You are still the God of love and mercy, the almighty God. Let me experience this.”
• “Help me reveal who You are: God is always greater than our suffering, injustice, and fears. I will remain with God.”
• “Help me become one in Your work—in the church of Christ, as Christians, as brothers and sisters in the Lord.” This is where we can encounter Christ.
• Use us to show others that You love them. Through kindness and good deeds, we can help them discover Your love.
• “Reveal Your power and love through the resurrection. Come soon and take us with You.”

And what is God’s answer?

God’s signs: yesterday and tomorrow

 God has already revealed His nature, the Chief Apostle made clear:

• through Jesus Christ: through His life, His ministry, His death, and His resurrection 
• through the continued existence of the church of Christ despite opposition and human weakness
• through our baptism, sealing, and confirmation. And each time with the words: “You are My beloved child.”

And finally, God says, “Do not worry. I am still here for you, just as I was there for My Son.” If you remain faithful to the end, I will raise you up too also. Then you will see Me as I truly am.”