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, it’s Super Bowl Sunday, and gazillions of people will “behold” the spectacle later today. But, as John wrote in this text, nothing is worthier of our fixed gaze and unrivalled attention than your love.
Thank you for not “just” loving us, but for lavishing your love on us—super-abundantly, immeasurably, irrevocably. The most it-can-be-counted-on reality in our lives is your love for us in Jesus. The weather changes daily and the Dow Jones Average changes hourly. 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 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, but 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.
Because of our great and living hope, we want to live lives shaped by the gospel and compelled by your love. Continue to free us by your grace, change us by your Spirit, and liberate us for your purposes. Intensify our love for holiness, your kingdom, and our neighbors. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ mighty and merciful name.
