The Lord will march out like a champion, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal; with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies. ... Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give nations in exchange for you, and peoples in exchange for your life. ...Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth — everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made. (Isaiah 42:13, 43:4–7)

In the world’s darkest moment, love shines through. In spite of betrayal, idolatry, and chronic unbelief on our part, God loves us and pursues us. And his love wins the ransom of mankind. Jesus of Nazareth — the great Prince, son of the King — comes and gives his life to rescue his beloved.

Christianity is the greatest love story the world has ever known.

All of this is still unfolding, by the way — right now, as you read these words. The great and terrible clash between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness continues. They are fighting for the human heart. At its core this ancient struggle comes down to one question: Can a kingdom of love prevail? God insists that “love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8). Satan laughs. The world laughs. Something in us laughs, too. It sounds so utterly naïve. Love never fails? It seems like the most failure-prone thing on earth.

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