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Read: John 3:11-17
Why did God’s son come to earth? As a child, there was a single passage of scripture that I was taught at home, at school, and in Sunday School. All the children in my village had to learn this passage of scripture and be prepared to repeat it verbatim when asked. That passage of scripture is the answer to this question. The Gospel of John 3:16 answers, “for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son. That whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” The writings of John were designed to convince us that if we are to have eternal life we are to believe in Jesus as God in human form. God sent his son to live among the world in the likeness of sinful flesh so that the world can align with his message of salvation and believe in his father. The preparation for eternal life as a child gives true meaning to “it takes a village to raise a child” even preparing that child for eternal life. John continues in his writing to declare that the son of man did not come to condemn the world but to save the world through him. With such a profound love for us, God sent his son not as a final judgment but so that all may have the opportunity to be saved and obtain eternal life. Thank God for he does not show partiality or bias, his salvation, his grace, and his mercy are for all who believe. The love of God was demonstrated on the cross. Just as Moses lifted the snake in the wilderness, so must the son of man be lifted (vs,14). The son of God was lifted on a cross to save a dying world. “On a hill far away, stood an old rugged cross…” That cross is the emblem of Christianity. Maybe the environment reflects the world we live in today. As Christians, we believe that his death has freed us from the grip of sin, that we no longer live in fear and are anxious for nothing, that God will provide all our needs according to his riches in glory, and that if we only believe in him eternal life is ours. Most loving and gracious God, thank you for your love that is all-encompassing, unasked for, and undeserved yet you love us unconditionally. Thank you for sending your son to die a suffering and shameful death for our sins. We lift your name and give you all the praise and glory. It is in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen Judith David Tanner Certified Lay Servant Comments are closed.
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Lent Devotions
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