Behold what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. 1 Jn. 3:1-3
Dear heavenly Father, something’s going to capture my attention and preoccupation, as this day begins and continues. It could be things and people that irritate me, circumstances and stories that overwhelm me, disappointments and failures that anger me, or mirages and fantasies that deceive me. But in response to this encouraging Scripture, I choose to lock my gaze on your great love for us in the gospel.
Father, the sheer bulk of your love for us in Jesus is staggering—even extravagant. According to your own Word, you haven’t been miserly, measured, or careful with your love. You’ve been lavish—over-the-top, immoderate, intemperate! We believe, help our unbelief. Everything we want, and more than we can imagine is found in the riches of your love.
By your love, you’ve adopted us as your beloved sons and daughters. Right now—in the very moment, we already have all the legal rights and personal delights that come with being your children. You cannot love us more; you will not love us less.
Not a hair can fall from our heads, not a breath can be taken from our lungs, and not a day can be snatched from our lives, apart from your fatherly sovereignty. No hardship will come our way, which hasn’t first come before your occupied throne of grace. No pleasure will decorate our day that doesn’t find its origin in you.
And by your lavish love, Father, one Day you will make us as lovely as and as loving as Jesus. We WILL be made like Jesus! Hallelujah, so many, many times over. This rest of our momentary, broken, selfish, yearning and longing lives, are nothing, compared to an eternity of being with and being like Jesus. We forsake our whining for your worship.
Father, by this blessed hope, we will seek to dance, repent, and love to your glory today. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus pure and perfect name.