“All glory to him who loves us and has freed us … (Rev. 1:5) “He placed his right hand on me and said: ‘Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever!’” (Rev. 1:17–18)
Lord Jesus, it’s heart-freeing to know the most repeated command in the entire Bible is “Do not be afraid.” It doesn’t come as a rebuke, but a kiss. Shocked shepherds on your birthday, a vulnerable Mary on your resurrection day, an aging apostle (John) exiled for you on Patmos… they all received this same blessed gift. “Don’t be afraid.”
No one loves like you do, Jesus. No one loves us like you do. When Thomas doubted you, you didn’t make an intellectual argument for your empty tomb; you showed him your wounds (John 20:24-29). When Peter wore the shame of his three denials, you fed him breakfast and gave him a three-fold assurance of your love (John 21:15-17). You love us like this too.
Because you are “the First and the Last,” we don’t have to fear anything in between. You don’t just live in our memory, you actually live “for ever and ever.” Nothing is more ultimate than you, Jesus, and your love and care for us. Our failures don’t define us, your righteousness does. Our doubts, pain, and hurt don’t own us; for we are yours and you are making us new.
Our weakness is where your strength is made perfect. Our brokenness is where you paint with the kaleidoscopic colors of mercy, grace, and kindness. There is nothing greater, in life and in death, than to belong to you, Jesus. Thank you for loving us; we love you too. We trust you. So Very Amen.