Make My Theology My Doxology

Scotty Smith:  A Prayer for Rejoicing in the Irrepressible Love of Jesus

As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you. Isa. 62:5 

     I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen. Eph. 3:17-20

     Dear Lord Jesus, I know I matter, but I’m so very much not the point of life. I rejoice that all of history is heading toward the Day when everybody and everything will finally make much of you; for you alone are worthy of such honor, praise, and glory. I long for the Day when you will receive the every-nation all-creation worship you deserve. Mountains will skip, trees will clap and we will rejoice with unfettered uncontrollable joy at your return.

     That being said, it is profoundly humbling to realize how much you actually do make of us, Jesus. Knowing you’ve forgiven all of our sins is more than enough reason to praise you for all eternity. Knowing you’ve covered us with your own righteousness is reason to praise you for ten eternities. But to realize that the righteousness with which you’ve clothed us makes us your betrothed and beloved bride is life-giving and knee-buckling.

     Lord Jesus, you’ve made us, a most unlikely people, your bride and queen forever. This isn’t the story of Cinderella we’re in. There was nothing about us, or in us, that made us attractive to you. We had much in common with the deceitful stepmother and the two conniving stepsisters—quite ill-deserving of your nuptial commitment and lavish love. But, at the price of your life, you made us your own and now you cherish us.

     Right now, you’re preparing us for yourself through the riches of the gospel and the work of your Spirit. One Day we’ll be radiant with your beauty; completely transformed by your grace; liberated to serve you throughout eternity. O, the bliss of it all… But on that Day—our wedding day, you won’t rejoice in us one bit more than you already do. The saints in heaven are more happy, but not more beloved than us.

     I do believe this because you don’t lie; but I want to believe it with all of my heart. Once again, Jesus, make my theology my doxology. Today, move the good news of this gospel 18 inches, from my head to my heart. Set me free to love and serve you will honeymoon affection and unquestioned sacrifice. So very Amen I pray, in your beautiful and bountiful name.