What kind of wonderful love affair is this?
We had nothing to do with it. It was all His idea, a gift prepared for us in Jesus long before we knew anything about it. But we know it now. Since the appearance of our Savior, nothing could be plainer: death defeated, life vindicated in a steady blaze of light, all through the work of Jesus. (2 Timothy 1:9-10, The Message)
It was God who saved us, and from Him we received our solemn Call, not as a reward for anything we have done, but in fulfillment of His own LOVING purpose. For that LOVE extended to us, through Christ Jesus before time began… (2 Timothy 1:9-10, TCNT)
- …but in accordance with His own purpose and unmerited Favor… (WMS)
- …which was granted in Christ Jesus from all eternity… (NASB)
- …which He gave us ages ago in Christ… (MOFF)
- …before eternal ages… (ABV)
- …planned before the beginning of time… (NOR)
Long, Long ago in a galaxy far far away! Ok couldn’t resist that, I have boys! ☺ Long ago before time began, in the counsels of Heaven…Revelations 13:8 says Jesus was a lamb slain from the foundation of the world! He knew you before you were ever born. He loved you! And He knew you by name!
Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine. (Isaiah 43:1, NKJV)
The LORD has called Me from the womb;
From the matrix of My mother He has made mention of My name. (Isaiah 49:1, NKJV)
See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands. (Isaiah 49:16, NKJV)
- …See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands… (NLT)
- …Look, I have inscribed your name on my palms… (NET)
- …“Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands… (NASB)
…Keep me as the apple of Your eye… (Psalm 17:8, NKJV)
…Since you are precious and honored in My sight and I love you… (Isaiah 43:4, NKJV)
Before you were ever born, before the foundation of the world He knew YOU, He saw YOU and He called YOUR NAME. He has always loved YOU and YOU are beautiful in His eyes!
Now you can understand the beating of Jesus heart at the last supper before He went to the cross…when He said these words. From all eternity He had dreamed of this moment. As a little Jewish boy he had celebrated the Passover year after year….and now the time had come! He was thinking of YOU. And it was FOR YOU!
Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed FOR YOU. (Luke 22:20, NKJV)
Then looking back up at verse 15, This verse gives us so much insight into what Jesus was feeling that night! It breaks my heart!
Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer… (Luke 22:15, NKJV)
- …Earnestly have I longed… (ABUV)
- …I have longed eagerly… (MOFF)
- …I have greatly desired… (GSPD)
- …I have earnestly and intensely desires… (AMP)
- …With all my heart I have longed… (PHIL)
- …I have longed and longed… (KNOX)
It was for YOU…HE LONGED FOR YOU! He knew the CROSS would change everything FOR YOU!
...knowing that YOU were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times FOR YOU. (1 Peter 1:18-20, NKJV)
Now I want to leave you with the words of chorus of this beautiful song, “JUST BE HELD,” BY CASTING CROWNS:
“If your eyes are on the storm you’ll
Wonder if I love you still
But if your eyes are on the cross you’ll
Know I always have and always will”
Know He loves you today. Throughout all eternity He always has and throughout all eternity He always will! Nothing can separate you from His love! BECAUSE YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL IN HIS EYES.
