How did Jesus get through rejection, mockery, betrayal, and all manner of suffering? He knew He was loved by His Father! He knew Himself to be beloved. “And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased’” (Mark 1:11 ESV). No matter what happened to Him, He could rest in the Father’s love. It is our resting place too. When rejection, abandonment, betrayal, and all manner of sufferings come to you, find your unshakable place, find your security, find your peace in the fact that you are loved; you are the Father’s beloved child. From the manger to the cross the Father has declared His love for you. From the empty tomb to the fullness of Creation He is declaring it. The stars shine it! The winds whisper it! Believe it. Embrace it. Let it embrace you. It will get you through everything.
Father, we have often sinned against you by doubting your love for us. Teach us to let go of everything else and receive it. Move it from head knowledge to heart knowledge. Move it from a lofty idea to a river flowing into us, a sacred stream that moves us to believe who we are, that makes us know at the deepest level of knowing that we are Your beloved child. May this mature us; may this transform us. Amen!
