A Prayer About Immanuel’s Presence and Presents
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:28-32
Most faithful and loving Lord Jesus, I’m so thankful to know that every word of the Word, in one way or another, is ultimately about you. Every command drives me to you. Every promise is fulfilled in you. Every story whispers your name, points to your glory, and proffers your grace. This is why I love the Bible, all of the Bible more than ever.
Yet there seem to be some Scriptures that are kind of like “home-room” to me, or my favorite chair, jogging path, or scenic view. To “go there” puts everything into perspective. This portion of the Word is just such a place. All the Immanuel promises, all the carols and hymns of Advent converge right here… the hopes and fears of all my years are met right here…
Lord Jesus, how I praise you that you are Immanuel-God with me and God for me. Your presence and your presents are all that I need, much more than I realize, and way beyond all I could have ever hoped for or imagined.
You’re at work in all things for your glory and for my good-in the obvious and in the not-so-obvious… in my gains and in my pains… in what “I get,” and in the things which seem to contradict who I know you to be… when I’m “feeling the love,” and when I’m feeling very lonely… when the gospel makes all the sense in the world to me, and when I’m tempted to say with John the Baptist, “Are you the Messiah, or should we be looking for another?”
But there is no other Messiah, Savior or Lord, but you, Lord Jesus. And absolutely nothing can separate me from your love, for I’ve been called according to the Father’s purpose, which will never fail nor falter. He “knew” me-he set his affection upon me before the world began, and he will continue to provide everything necessary to complete the work of the gospel in my life… in the whole family of God… and in the entire creation. “Thrice hallelujah!”, I shout.
So very Amen, I pray, by the light of this good news of great joy.