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To him who loves us and has freed us

from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. Rev. 1:5–6

Lord Jesus, these words from the Apostle John feel like a grand toast. It’s as though we just finished a great feast and have risen to our feet with glasses hoisted to honor you, “To him who loves us and has freed us...”

Speaking of which, there’s no date on the calendar of history and our hearts, we long for more than the Wedding Supper of the Lamb. It’ll be the Banquet of all banquets, the Mercy Meal of the ages, Grace-Fest of eternity. Hurry the Day, Lord. May our Thanksgiving gatherings this week fuel our hearts for the Day of ultimate thanks giving.

Until then, help us grasp the implications of this one enormous little phrase, “To him who loves us.” Though every page of the Scripture either shadows, suggests, or shouts it, this verse explicitly declares it: You love us!

How fitting this kiss of grace would be found in the opening words of the last book of the Bible. What a glorious summation of your work on our behalf. What a magnificent affirmation of the central theme in the history of redemption: “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” Make this more real than our joys and pains, eating and breathing.

By the power of the Holy Spirit, we want to come more fully alive to the multidimensional wonders of your love (Eph. 3:17-19). Stun, humble, awaken us to the only love that is better than life (Psalm 63:3). Renew, refresh, and restore us to our first love for you (Rev. 2:4). To you be the glory and power forever and ever, Lord Jesus. Your bride awaits your return. So very Amen we pray, in your beautiful and loving name.

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