“Fully set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming” (1 Pet.1:13)
Dear Jesus, in a world of broken people, places, hearts, and dreams… three grand realities give us peace, joy, and hope that can’t be found anywhere else: You love us perfectly. You are ruler of the kings of the earth, and everything else. You will return to finish making all things new. Hallelujah, and thank you. Make each of these three more real and precious to us.
Because of you, Jesus, we don’t have to live in paralyzing fear of anything or anyone. To be human is to lament the stories that grieve us, shed tears for the people that sadden us, and feel vulnerable over things that threaten us. But to be yours is to realize only you and your coming Kingdom are ultimate. Your certain grace, not accidental karma, gets the first, middle, and last word.
By nature, we are hope-setters—looking to someone or something to make things better. But by our new-nature (2Cor.5:17), we know “horses and chariots” (Ps.20:7); oval offices, plastic scepters, and mere men cannot deliver.
Jesus, your past grace saved us, your present grace is transforming us, and the grace we will experience at your return is where we choose to anchor our hearts, set our hope, and fuel our joy. Your tomb has never been more empty. Your throne has never been more occupied. Your return has never been more treasured and craved. Hallelujah, what a Savior you are! Hallelujah, what a salvation we have in you! So Very Amen.