A Prayer About a Most Beautiful Irony
When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him. Luke 2:39-40
Dear Lord Jesus, I don’t know if I’ve ever thought about irony being beautiful until today. But it seems that everything connected to you reveals beauty, in one way or another. Joseph and Mary were such faithful and loving parents, from your conception on, helping you grow and become strong. And yet how could they have possibly known that as they did “everything required by Law of the Lord,” in response to your birth, it was really you that came to fulfill the Law for them… and for all of God’s people?
Oh, wonder of wonders… my heart sings and soars as I reflect upon your humility, your kindness, and your servant-love for us, Jesus. Indeed, you didn’t come to destroy the law, but to fulfill it on our behalf. What I could never do, you’ve done for me. What I could never be, you became for me. The law demands a perfection and a beauty which can only be found in you, and you have freely and fully given yourself for me, Jesus.
Your last words from the cross, “It is finished,” have become my first words of freedom. It’s not my obedience, but yours in which I trust. It’s not my righteousness, but yours in which I boast and rest. By the same grace you saved me you are now changing me, Jesus. Truly, as this gospel continues to make me sane, I’m trusting it will make me more and more whole… more and more like you… as a spouse, as a dad, as a son, as a friend, as a neighbor. Show me clearly and specifically what this will look like, Jesus.
There’s nothing more I could possibly want from the rest of my days in this world. So very Amen, I pray, in your most glorious and gracious name.
