“He laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, 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! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” Rev. 1:17-18
Lord Jesus, hallelujah for these four words—“Fear not, I am.” They will carry us through 2022, and all the way into the new heaven and new earth. If you only said, “Fear not,” the “onus” would fall on us to overcome feelings of vulnerability, threat, and anxiety.
But “I am” changes everything—literally. All we need today, and all the way Home, is you, Jesus. Our fears are real, but you are 10,000 times more compelling, here, grace-giving, and peace-fueling.
No less than John experienced it, we can be certain your right hand is on us too. Even more so, we are in your hand. No one and nothing can snatch us from your most mighty and merciful grasp (John 10:28).
The same hand that created the cosmos and sustains every atom, opened blind eyes and expelled evil spirits—that same hand was nailed to the cross and rolled back a huge stone, for us. Jesus, that’s how we know we’re not just in your hand, but also in your heart. Hallelujah, the Gospel is true.
There is no greater love than the love you demonstrated by your cross, and have for us now (1 John 3:16). Secure in your hand, and hidden in your heart, we begin 2022 trusting you, loving you, serving you—longing more than ever for your return, Lord Jesus. So Very Amen.
