“(Jesus) turned my wailing into dancing; removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy” (Psalm 30:11). “Angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand” loudly proclaim, “Worthy is the Lamb” (Rev. 5:11-12). Trembling, the demons said to Jesus, “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” (Matt. 8:29). “At the name of Jesus, every knee will bow” (Phil. 2:9-11)
Lord Jesus, we want to live the rest of our days with the GTZ as our most defining, permanent, transcendent frame of reference for everything. In the Gospel Time Zone, history finds its meaning and problems shrink to their proper size. Worries wilt and fears are tamed. Suffering finds dignity and evil is served notice. Our eternal life has begun and death is now gain for us. Jesus, we will never over-love, over-worship, over-trust you.
In your presence, we will dance, angels rejoice, demons always tremble, all knees will bow. Because of what you’ve done for us, Jesus, our Father’s favor rests on us in our restlessness; for we aren’t just clothed with joy but also with your perfect righteousness. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!
Now sealed and indwelt with your Spirit, we aren’t less human but more so. We painfully grieve the past and soon death of friends; but we do so with profound hope. Jesus, turn these “inward groanings and eager waiting” (Rom. 8:22-25) into patient kindness, neighbor love, mutual encouragement, and living to your glory.
It really won’t be long before we are with you, Jesus. It really won’t be long before the Day of “all things new” gets here. In the GTZ, everything happens on time. So Very Amen.