Hope on Nothing More, Nothing Less, Nothing Other

Scotty Smith:  A Prayer in Praise of the God Who Is Completely Sanctifying Us

     Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thess. 5:23

     Dear heavenly Father, the promises contained in this one verse deepen our peace, fuel our joy and anchor our hope… tremendously! It’s assuring to know that you’re tenaciously and tirelessly at work in changing us—in making us like Jesus. You will bring to completion the good work you began in each of your children. It was your work to begin and only you can finish it.

     We’d despair if this wasn’t the case, for the disparity between Jesus’ beauty and our brokenness is overwhelming to us at times. The thoughts we think, the things we feel, the choices we make are so unlike Jesus. We could never be our own savior, though foolishly, we’ve tried. Only a great Savior like Jesus is sufficient for people like us.

     As the God of peace, you’re making us wholly holy—transforming us through and through. You are freeing every part of our being—spirit, soul, and body—from the effects and affects of sin; and you’re neither in a hurry nor anxious about the process. You’re at peace, even when we’re not. You don’t roll your eyes, furrow your brow, clear your throat, or show any signs of a nervous twitch when you think about us. You are perpetually at rest in your love towards us in Jesus (Zeph. 3:14-17). We believe, help our unbelief…

     We will be wholly blameless and shameless at the second coming, only because Jesus took our blame upon the cross, despising its shame. Even now, our lives are hidden safely in him, and when he returns, we’ll appear with him in glory, for Jesus is our life—our righteousness, holiness, and redemption (1 Cor. 1:31; Col. 3:4). Our hope is built on nothing less, nothing more, and nothing other than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. We praise you for the gospel—its truth, its power and its great freedom!

     So, Father, as this day begins (and continues) we will actively trust in the righteousness that is ours by faith; even as we surrender to the ministry of the Spirit—by whom we’ve been sealed, with whom we’re indwelt, and through whom we’ll be safely delivered into your presence. Oh, great and glorious peace! So very Amen we pray, with comfort and joy, in Jesus’ faithful name.