To those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. Jude 1-2
Glorious Triune God, on this Lord’s Day I’m overwhelmed as I ponder the immeasurable and irrepressible goodness of the life we have in Jesus. These first two verses from Jude are like a “zip file” of gospelicious wonder. That’s why “gospel astonishment,” pretty well describes what I’m feeling. I want to shout and shut up at the same time.
You didn’t just invite me to become a Christian; you called me and adopted me as your own child. Now I call you Abba, Father, as the Holy Spirit continues to free my heart from acting like a homeless, fatherless orphan. Thank you, Father, that because of the work of Jesus, you’ll never love me more than you do in this very moment, and you’ll never love me less; because your love for your children isn’t tied to anything we do or don’t do, but to everything Jesus did for us. What wondrous love is this, indeed!
Lord Jesus, help me to grasp your grasp of me. I’m both kept by you and for you. Nothing can pull me from your hand or tear me from your heart. At times this seems too good to be true—especially when I’m most aware of my sin weakness; but those things are precisely why your grip is so strong and grace-full. I’m thankful you’re my righteousness and not simply my life-coach.
For the rest of my days in this world—whether they’re many or few, flood my heart with an abundance of mercy, for I am a foolish man; peace, for I am a broken man; and love, for I am a selfish man. Jesus, keep turning the dial up on my “gospel astonishment.” So very Amen I pray, in your tender and triumphant name.