First Words of Freedom

Scotty Smith:  A Prayer About the Most Beautiful Irony

     When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him. Luke 2:39-40

     Dear Jesus, I don’t know if I’ve ever thought of irony as beautiful until today. But everything connected to you reveals beauty, in one way or another, including your first days as a newborn baby.
     Joseph and Mary were such faithful and loving parents, from your conception on.  As the Scriptures tell us, just after your birth, they took you to the temple and did “everything required by Law of the Lord” on your behalf. But little did they realize that you were born to fulfill everything required by God’s Law for them… and for us. There’s no greater or more beautiful irony to be found in all of history…
    You didn’t come to destroy the law, but to fulfill it for us. What we could never do, you’ve done for us with perfection. What we could never be, you became for us with affection. The law demands a righteousness and beauty which come to us freely and fully only in you.
     Oh, wonder of wonders… my heart sings and soars as I ponder your humility, kindness, and servant-love, Lord Jesus. From cradle to cross to crown, you’ve done nothing but love and care for us with unremitting compassion.
     Your last words from the cross, “It is finished,” are our first words of freedom. It’s not our obedience, but yours in which we trust. It’s not our righteousness, but yours in which we boast. And by the same grace you saved us, you’re now changing us. One Day, one blessed Day we will be as lovely and as loving as you, all because the gospel is true.
     Jesus, you fulfilled the law for us, now fulfill in us everything you intend. Make us like yourself—as singles… spouses… parents… grandparents… friends and neighbors. On the verge of a new year, show us… show me clearly and specifically, what this will look like. What more could any of us want, for the rest of our days in this world, than for you to be glorified in us and through us? So very Amen, we pray, in your most glorious and gracious name.