“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead… In this you greatly rejoice!” 1 Peter 1:3,6.
He is risen, Hallelujah! Jesus is risen indeed! … Oh resurrected and reigning Lord Jesus, we join Peter’s exuberant declaration of grateful worship and living hope. Because you were raised, we now live in God’s constant favor and unwavering delight. For you are our “righteousness, holiness, and redemption” (1 Cor.1:30). We cannot be more loved. We cannot be more saved. We cannot be more yours. Hallelujah!
Jesus, you are the firstfruits and fulfillment of every promise God has made—Abba’s loud and unequivocal “Yes!” The “new creation” world of salvation, healing, and restoration has now broken into history and, one Day, will come in fullness. “Everything sad will come untrue,” all things broken will be made new—the Garden of Eden will prove to have been just a beautiful hint and whisper of things to come.
Living hope now defines our future. Deep peace claims our hearts. The groaning we feel on the inside means we are pregnant with grace and glory—for you are being formed inside us, Jesus (Gal.4:19), and we are being made like you (Rom.8:28-29). When we see you as you are, we will be made fully like you (1Jn3:1-3). We are so ready for that Day.
Until then, you reign as King of kings and Lord of lords over all things everywhere. You are active in redeeming your every-nation bride, and are at work making all things new—even though much of your work remains hidden from our eyes.
Abba Father, has left nothing to chance, but all things to you, Jesus. Everything broken and sinful has an expiration date, but the date we most crave is the wedding and eternity we will share with you forever. Hallelujah, and So Very Amen.