“I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.” Jer. 31:3
Heavenly Father, by the comprehensive voice of your entire Word and the glorious implications of this one verse, here’s what I know you are saying to us today.
“How everlasting and unfailing is my love? My child, it has no beginning or end, and it cannot be measured or imagined. I loved you before the world began—before you showed any promise or made and broke your first promise. I never looked at what you would do for me, but only to what I chose to do for you. I sent Jesus to accomplish your entire salvation. He’s not your helper; he’s your life.
Before he died for you on the cross, Jesus lived for you. He fulfilled my law for you, and I now count you righteous in him (Col.3:1-3). And don’t be afraid of death, for you have already passed from death to life (John 5:24). In fact, don’t be afraid to live either, for there is no condemnation left for your sin (Rom.8:1), my love for you is as unwavering as it is everlasting.
You cannot add to it or take away from it. I will cease to be God before my affection for you will wane or fail, be exhausted or withdrawn. Even when I discipline you—bringing the pain of correction, it is with a heart of compassion and kindness. I will humble you, but I will never humiliate you. I will shape you, but I will never shame you. I have drawn you to myself, adopted you as my own child, and will finish my work in you” (Phil.1:6).
Oh Father, thank you. Make these riches of grace—the truth of the Gospel, more precious and real to us than ever. So Very Amen.
