“We esteemed him not. Isaiah 53:1-3
“Do you love me?” John 21:16
Lord Jesus, Isaiah’s 4-word summary, and your 4-word question, rips and grips our hearts. You, who never sinned, became sin for us, that in you, we might freely receive and become the righteousness of God (2 Cor. 5:21). All you want from us is our hearts and love. Because of the Gospel, we don’t stand condemned, but we do get low in conviction.
By your “crushing” we are forever cherished.
By your exile on the cross, we have citizenship in heaven.
By your death as God’s Lamb, we have become God’s beloved children.
No indictment can be more convicting than a lack of esteem for you, Lord Jesus. Every time we sin, we esteem ourselves more than you. Nothing makes sin seem more “sinful,” ugly, and empty.
You created and redeemed us for yourself—loving Bridegroom for unlikely bride, yet we still look over your shoulder for other loves and other lovers. You’re returning to usher in the fullness and wonder of your glorious Kingdom; yet we remain preoccupied with fiefdoms of “me-myself-and-I,” waving our parade flags of self-preoccupation.
By your grace and power, refresh, renew and intensify our love for you, Lord Jesus. We want to esteem you above everything and everyone. You cannot love us more; we want to love you so much more. So very Amen we pray, in your compassionate and all-worthy name.