“All glory to Jesus… who loves us and has freed us from our sin—and from so much more (Rev.1:5; Lk4:18-19) “Jesus placed his right hand on me and said: ‘Don’t 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! The keys are in my hand.’” (Rev.1:17–18)
Lord Jesus, we can’t hear too often or too deeply that the most repeated command in the Bible is, “Do not fear.” Shocked shepherds on your birthday, a vulnerable Mary on your resurrection day, an aging apostle (John) exiled for your glory on Patmos… they all received this same blessed gift. “Do not be afraid.” No one loves us to the degree and with the delight that you do, Jesus. You love us so much, it takes the power of the Holy Spirit to comprehend it (Eph.3:18-19).
Because you are “the First and the Last,” we don’t have to fear anything in between. That doesn’t mean we “throw caution to the wind”; it means we trust you with everything and rest in your sovereign love. 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, our lives are hidden in you, and you are making us new—including us.
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—nothing. Thank you for loving us. We love you too—want to love you 10,000 times more and so look forward to the Day we will be made perfect in your love. Hallelujah, and So Very Amen.