For GOD so loved the WORLD... – Jn 3:16.
It’s definitely the greatest scandal of all time: “God so loved the
world”? The thrice-holy One who is of a purer eye than to behold iniquity love
this wicked world? Even WE are
commanded not to love the world (1Jn 2:15). But wait, we ARE the world.
The thieving, scheming, rebelling, hating, slandering and God-defying
“world” the Bible talks about is Us! We all have sinned, and come short of
the glory of God; “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned
everyone to his own way;” (Rm 3:23; Is 53:6). If God had not made the first
move, we’ll all still be doomed to destruction because of sin.
Paul paints it clearly in Rom 5:8, “But God commends his love toward
us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
It’s a betrayal of gross ignorance for a Believer to look down on a
sinner. But for the grace of God, we would all be sinners today. Sure, we may
not be a multiple-aborting prostitute or some serial-murdering rapist; but of
what comfort is it to be the most decent sinner in Hell? Before God acted,
every one of us was headed for damnation; but because the most Holy God did the
unthinkable, we have right-standing with Him today.
That’s why John didn’t just say God loved the world, but that God soooo
loved the world (emphasis mine). Like Bible commentator Adam Clarke opined,
there’s an eternity of meaning in
that little particle “so”. It’s meant to show the extent of God’s love.
For scarcely for a
righteous man will one die: yet perhaps for a good man some would even dare to
die. But God commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners,
Christ died for us. (Rom
5:7-8)
Use this moment to meditate on this superfluous, extravagant love the
Father had and has for you, and thank Him for your salvation.
AMEN.
More Blessings await you today; you’ll not miss them in Jesus’ Name.
GREG ELKAN
No comments:
Post a Comment