... so have I loved you

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.  Now remain in my love.  If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.  John 15:9, 10

All throughout God’s Word, the Father’s love for the Son is clear and unfailing.  The Father and the Son are one!  Yet Jesus said he loves us as the Father has loved him.  So let’s stop and think about this …

The Father says of the Son: “You are my son; today I have become your father.  Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.  You will break them with a rod of iron; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”  Psalm 2:7
       And the Son says to us: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you…”

It is written of the Father and the Son: Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.  You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.  Psalm 45:6,7
       And the Son says to us: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you…”

The Father says of the Son: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”  Psalm 110:1
       And the Son says to us: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you…”

The Father says of the Son: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”  Mark 1:11
       And the Son says to us: “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you…”

The Father says of the Son: “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” Luke 9:35
       And the Son says to us: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you…”

Lord Jesus, I see how the Father loves you and I marvel that you love me that much.  I open the door of my heart and let it in.  I relinquish and renounce fear, guilt and hopelessness – anything that would stand in the way of receiving your love for me.  It is peace.  It quiets my heart.  And I leap for joy.

“I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a school-boy”  Ebenezer Scrooge