For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John
As children
we read "
There are
causes for wonder in the small compass of this verse! The first is that God
loved and loves the world. We are not surprised to learn that He made the
world, because, except where men have spoilt it, it is so beautiful. Or that He
has a name for it, because He called them all by name, as He brings out their
hosts by number. So small is our world amid the myriad of constellations, but
nevertheless it is belted, environed, encompassed by the love of God!
The second
wonder is that the only begotten Son came to dwell with us. Isn't it wonderful
that the Son of God should have passed by all other worlds, and come to this.
That this earth was walked on by His blessed feet; that He has incorporated its
transfigured dust into the texture of His divine nature. This is all so wonderful,
that we are disposed to believe that our world must be the pivot of the
universe, its nursery, college, and training ground.
The third
wonder is that eternal life is within the reach of whosoever. The A.V. gives
the word "everlasting," but the R.V. translates it as
"eternal." God gives us not quantity but quality of life. Time is a
method of thought necessitated by our human limitations, and therefore some day
will come to its end. Eternal life is an ever present now, of love and life and
light, enjoyed in fellowship with God. And this is for whosoever! Each of us
may insert his or her name in the blank, and say, "that I may have eternal
life." It is so wonderful, that the thought could not have been invented
or suggested by the wit of man. It bears the imprint and seal of God Himself,
who made us in His image, and after His likeness, that we might become the
partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the
world through lust (Genesis 1:26; 2 Peter 1:4)
PRAYER
The world
is dear unto You, Heavenly Father; You sent Your only Son to save it, and Your
Spirit to comfort and renew. May He brood over the chaos of this distracted and
darkened world. May order, peace, and love reign among men through Jesus Christ
our Lord, AMEN.
God's Daily Promise
Promise #276:
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love My Son, Jesus.
John 17:23 (WEB)
I in them, and you in me,
that they may be perfected into one;
that the world may know that
you sent me,
and loved them, even as you
loved me.
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