Thursday, January 2, 2020

Heaven's Honor for All

S - "Father … I have honored my followers in the same way you honored me, in order that they may be one just as we are one. I in them, and you in me, so they may become completely one, that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me." John 17 TS

O - The greatest honor does not come in the form of rank, title or position. It is not offered as the result of heroic efforts or miraculous activities.  The greatest honor is relational.  LOVE, genuine, unconditional and unending is THE greatest of all.  It is the honor Jesus received from God and it is the honor given.  It is offered to the entire world God so loves.  This love is demonstrated, clarified and expressed in the love the Father has for Jesus.  With exacting detail, the honor of this love is for all who will accept.  Jesus is sent so that the world will know "that you love them as much as you love me." 

A - The one thing love does not do is force itself upon another. The words recorded above are not the validation but the invitation; they make the point not the proof. Love invites, waits, hopes and is always ready to respond to the one being loved.  This greatest of all honors, to be so completely and inexplicably loved, is something we can't buy or earn. It is a reality we can refuse, but not stop.  This love is not merely an ideal or philosophic concept to be considered. Validation is not found in ritual or academic pursuit. It is a relational dynamic which is not verified by some ancient text but experienced by those so loved. This honor is mine and is for all who will follow.  

P - God who is love,
Thank you for sending Jesus to the world (7.7 billion and counting). I admit that this invitation is to himself, not to a religion or concept or plan.  I know I can't make myself experience your love but when I make myself available it is amazing what I experience in you and your love. Thank you that this love is to be known not just known about. You and your honor are amazing.
I love you back,
Steve