Behold what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. 1 John 3:1-3 (NIV)
Heavenly Father, every time I read these familiar verses, they expose my unbelief. But even more so, they fuel my hope. Thank you for not “just” loving us, but for lavishing your love upon us—super-abundantly, immeasurably, irrevocably. The most it-can-be-counted-on reality in our lives is your love for us in Jesus. Much more certain than death and taxes.
The weather changes daily and the Dow Jones Average changes hourly (especially yesterday). Our relationships, jobs, and health are impacted by many variables, but your love for us is steadfast, impassioned, and joyful. Hallelujah!
And Father, as this Scripture makes so gloriously clear, our future is just as spectacular as it is certain. Though there’s much about our life in the new heaven and new earth that remains unclear, of this we are sure. When Jesus returns, we will see him as he is, and we will be made like him—in all his beauty, love, and perfection. Nothing about us will remain broken or sinful, diseased or bound, sad or selfish. Hasten that Day, Lord; hurry it up; please and pronto!
