We are beloved children of God—loved by the Father just as much as he loves Jesus
“I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting (unwavering, inexhaustible) love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.” Jeremiah 31:3 (NLT)
Most gracious and Almighty God, supersize the chambers of my heart than I might take in more of the wonder of this good news. You have drawn me to yourself with an unfailing, irresistible, powerful love—not because of anything in me, but because of everything in you. And now, because of what you have done for me in Jesus—once and for all, you love me with a love that has no peaks or valleys—always constant and awesome. I cannot add to your love for me, and I cannot take away from it; because it’s not about me, it’s all about Jesus. I’m undone with peace and gratitude, Lord.
I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. John 17:23 (NLT)
Dear Lord Jesus, this one verse exposes how little I “get” the gospel, and what a neophyte I am in grasping the wonders of God’s grace. Let me get this right: you are telling me that God the Father loves me as much as he loves you… this is astonishing. How can it be? I know the right answer, but wrap the right answer tight around my heart and drive in deep into my spirit. My heavenly Father loves me just as much as he loves you because of everything you have done for me. You earned my salvation for me, Jesus—completely and forever. When you spoke those words from the cross, “It is finished!”—you were speaking on my behalf, just as much as for anyone. This isn’t just a “game changer”, Jesus; it’s an “everything changer”. Arise my soul, arise, and shake off your guilt, shame, and unbelief. Wow, and thank you!
SO VERY AMEN