How do we hear God’s love for us? Let me give us a place to start – Jesus. I am utterly confident that Jesus knew the Father’s voice in prayer. In the chamber of His inner life, He listened to the words of our Father in Heaven. And, the Word of God assured Jesus that He was loved. Jesus knew the Father accepted Him as the beloved. Jesus knew the inner safety of God’s love, even in the face of the cross. The Father would deliver Him. Jesus knew that He was free to be exactly who God sent Him to be.
This same love, perfect love, divine love, is offered to you and me. We are “the beloved.” Jesus has prayed it so:
“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” (John 17:24-26).
Here is something a little crazy, but try it, I dare you! Read the verses again. This time put your name in the blank:
“Father, I want ___________ to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and ______________ knows that you have sent me. I have made you known to _______________, and will continue to make you known to _____________ in order that the love you have for me may be in _____________ and that I myself may be in _______________.”
Do you dare believe it is true? Lord, make your prayer true in our hearts, this day. Amen.
Copyright © Richard Leslie Parrott, Ph.D.