BEYOND TOMORROW (August 30, 2024)

A hit song many years ago plaintively asked the question on millions of minds: “Will you still love me tomorrow?”

The fragility and impermanence of human love has chorused through the centuries—in every culture, in every region. Something in the human heart cannot keep a covenant. Despite romantic wedding decorations and elaborate commitment rituals, we fail to keep our promises to always act with love and care toward even that one person we are most attracted to.

Which is why the original Lover of our souls took pains to assure us that His love and grace don’t depend on promises as weak as ours. “‘My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. ‘And My ways are far beyond anything you could imagine’” (Isa 55:8). “For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

The gift of Jesus, sent in grace to take our place, is the enduring sign of God’s permanent affection—even for those who reject His love. “God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Rom 5:8).

The answer to our chronic insecurity about love is the song that all who put their faith in Jesus will one day sing: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” (Rev 5:12).

It’s a love that never stops. And it’s a song that never ends.

So stay in grace. -Bill Knott