WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
You most likely memorized the verse above as a kid, like I did. We were made to recite it as kids, but as I grew and began to understand the importance of language, the importance of words, I couldn’t but review the thoughts in that verse to understand what it really means. It says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish.…”
That’s the sovereign declaration of the Almighty God; it’s a legal message to the world, a legal instruction. As a matter of fact, it’s a law. God so loved everybody, He so loved us that He gave His only begotten Son. And in that verse alone, I found the profuse effusion and demonstration of the Father’s love. There’re so many messages embedded therein. Think about it: that He gave Jesus in your place means He loves you as much as He loves Jesus. That means you’re valuable to God.
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If God so loved you, you must be something to Him; otherwise, He wouldn’t pay a price so dear in your place. Moreso, that He loves you means He’s watching over you every day; He’s with you every moment and every step of the way. He cares about everything that concerns you. This should give you an extraordinary confidence in life; a new way of thinking. The extent to which He went in demonstrating His love for you is proof that nothing is too good for you.
Paul understood this and submitted, “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32). Become confident in the Father’s love for you, and be compelled by that love to reach and win others for Him.
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 declares, “For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” This means we can’t be quiet; we must tell of His love, of His grace, mercy and compassion. Hallelujah!
PRAYER
Precious Father, thank you for your unwavering love which you’ve so lavishly poured out on us! Thank you for making me the object of your grace, glory and righteousness. I walk in the consciousness of your love now and always, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
Romans 8:31-37; 2 Corinthians 5:14 AMPC
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING
1 Year Bible Reading Plan: Luke 14:25-15:1-10 & Judges 19-21
2 Year Bible Reading Plan: Romans 11:1-12 & Psalm 119:81-104
