“Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, Jesus interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself” Lk.24:27.
Jesus is “the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. 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.1:4-6.
Lord Jesus, hope is the reality we crave, the centering we need, and the gift your generously supply. And, hallelujah, you don’t just give us hope—you are our hope. There is always more to you, Jesus and there’s always more of you. As John joyfully wrote right out of the gate in the Book of Revelation, you are…
- The “faithful witness”—the point, focus, and hero of the entire Bible—the emphatic “Yes!” to every promise God has made (2Cor.1:20).
- The “firstborn from the dead”—the archetype and end to every sacrifice in Israel’s worship; our resurrected, perfect “righteousness, holiness, redemption” (1 Cor.1:30); our great High Priest—ever-living to care, pray, and advocate for us.
- The “ruler of the kings of the earth” and of everything else. There isn’t a nanosecond, square inch in the cosmos, or “election cycle” you don’t claim as yours … not a crisis, crucible, or conundrum over which you are not sovereign.. Oh the hope this gives us. Oh the hope you are to us, Jesus.
Until you return to finish making all things new and beautiful—free us to live and love to your glory, Jesus. Drive out our fears by your love, and fill our calendars with your will. So Very Amen, very indeed.
