Good and Faithful

Today, I remembered that I am loved by Jesus. 

I am loved and redeemed. I have a purpose. My heart bleeds with a deep passion for music and a deep longing for redemption because the Savior of the world bled on the cross. His pain protected me from eternal separation. His love was lavished upon me as he bled. His scars saved me from certain death. His Spirit given to me when He ascended. 

I have life because He died. I am risen because he rose from the grave after three days. I can laugh because He is joy. I long for love because He is love. I cry because He is so good that it's painful. His love HURTS. 

I remember Jesus and who He is because He remembered me many many years ago when for the joy set before Him to know me...He said yes to the cross. Every day He remembers me as He intercedes on my behalf. Every day, He loves me. He doesn't do it out of obligation or habit, but out of a kind of love that does not exist here. 

It's a strong love. Unwavering with no conditions. Inexplicable without flaws. Incomparable to any earthly love. Real and scandalous. Heart-wrenching and death-defying. Affirming and full. Explosive and life-giving. 

When I sin, I can be confident that when I look at Him in confession and repentance, He looks at me and says:

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine." (Isaiah 43:1)

His grace abounds. His heart overflows to me and in me. His Spirit intercedes for me. Nothing can separate me from the love of my God through Jesus Christ.

I am more than convinced that there is nothing greater than this.

At the end of all things, I will answer to what I have done. What I haven't done. Who I was. 

My earthly rewards will not matter. My title as an intern with one of the biggest Christian non-profit organizations will not be acknowledged. God will not be impressed with my musical talents or how many times I led worship. My salary, or lack thereof, will be insignificant. 

What will be acknowledged is the love I had for Jesus in all things. God will look at me and ask the question..."Did you love Me? And did you love my people?" 

"Well done good and faithful servant. Now enter the joy of your master." (Matthew 25:23) 

God, the JUST, is satisfied to look on Jesus and pardon me. I'm reminded tonight that Jesus is the true good and faithful servant. And one day, I will be a co-heir with Christ, the one I nailed to the cross. I will share in His glory, even though I deserted Him time and time again for the fleeting joys of sin.

"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." (Psalm 91:1)

"I will not leave you as orphans, I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you will also live." (John 14:18-19)

If this isn't grace and love, I don't know what is. 

I am safe in His keeping. I am loved and known. I will never be alone. For Yahweh, Author and Perfecter of my faith has promised me love and grace. He's dedicated to me. He's faithful to me despite my spiritual adultery. He will never leave me or desert me.