“Out of reverence for Christ…” (Eph. 5:21)
Dear Jesus, it always come back to you, and well it should. All of life is to be lived out of reverence for you—that is, with astonishment, amazement, and adoration. Astonishment that One so glorious as you would pour grace upon grace upon us. Amazement that you who know us the best love us the most. Adoration fueled by a greater experience of your truth, goodness and beauty.
We want to cherish you, Jesus, not live afraid or in doubt of you. Your perfect love drives out all fear, and your Spirit pours in great love. Fear has to do with judgment and punishment—and, hallelujah, you exhausted both for us on the cross. Keep turning our dread into delight, and our unbelief into uninhibited love for you and others.
We want to honor you, Jesus, and not take you for granted. This is often a great struggle, for we are presumptuous and we live in a culture of entitlement. Forgive us when the theology of the Gospel rolls off our lips with staccato-like precision, yet without childlike wonder. Forgive us for misrepresenting you—in our Gospel-lite thoughts, by our graceless words, and through our selfish choices.
We want to worship you, Jesus, and not fall into heartless familiarity or the chilling of our affection for you. You died to make us your Bride, you live to make us like yourself, you are coming back to treasure and enjoy us forever. Don’t let us ever get used to our rich standing in grace and secure place in your heart. Keep us humble, grateful, and kind towards others. So Very Amen.
