Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:13-16 (ESV)
Heavenly Father, from beginning to end, you’ve always and only dealt with us through the riches of your grace. By grace, you created us for a life of intimacy with you and engagement in your world. By grace, you raised us to newness of life in Jesus, from a life of sin, rebellion, and death.
By grace, you relate to us every moment of every day—being steadfast in your love, present with compassion, and faithful in your sovereignty. For such a rich standing in grace, we praise, bless, and adore you.
And according to Peter’s words in this passage, our future is defined by the fullness of your grace. Grace in part will give way to grace-in-whole, just like knowing you in part will be replaced with knowing you fully. We praise you for your tenacious, measureless generosity, Father.
Since we all live by hoping in something or someone, we take Peter’s admonition seriously, Father, and choose to “set our hope” on that glorious Day of future grace. Let us smell the grass and flowers of the new heaven and new earth. Fill our imagination with visions of the Day of all things new and no thing broken. And fill our hearts with the beauty of Jesus—our coming Bridegroom and reigning King. Supersize our hope in 2018.