“Set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you when Jesus Christ returns.” 1 Pet. 1:13
Heavenly Father, from beginning, through the middle, all the way to the end, you always dealt with us by the riches of your grace—your incomparable, unconditional, limitless provision for us in Jesus. Our hope is built on nothing less, nothing more, or nothing other than the person and work of Jesus. Indeed, grace is a Someone, not a something. Jesus is grace personified. Hallelujah!
- By grace, you created us as your image-bearers—designed for a life of intimacy with you and engagement in your world.
- By grace, you raised us to newness of life in Jesus—once dead, now alive; once rebellious, now servants; once idolaters, now Jesus-worshippers.
- By grace, you relate to us on a daily and momentary basis—being steadfast in your love, unwavering in your kindness, faithful in your providence—even loving in your discipline.
And according to this verse from 1st Peter, our future is looking even more off-the-charts fabulous. Grace in part will give way to grace in full. Eternity will be a never-ending, heart-thrilling, imagination-expanding celebration of your love, generosity, and bounty. So set our hearts fully on “future grace” is simply to say we can never be too preoccupied with knowing, loving, and longing for Jesus.
Until He returns, free us to live and love to your glory—serving Jesus, engaging with our neighbors, and praying in view of the Day when Jesus’ every-nation-Bride will stream into the New Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:2; Rev. 21:23-26).
May we worship more than we whine, repent quicker than we criticize, and throw 100 Gospel-parties for every pity-party. So Very, VERY Amen.