Today’s reflection will be somewhat brief. After church, Betty and I are going to the University of New Mexico theater to see the Chinese Acrobats. Our tickets are Christmas gifts from our son Wade Daniel and his lovely wife Marie. They know how to give good gifts.
This is one of the most famous set of verses in Scripture:
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.” (John 3:16-18)
Jesus is making this point - how to have eternal life - as a follow up to his discussion with Nicodemus. Jesus had said,
"I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. " (John 3:3)
This confused Nicodemus,
"How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!" (John 3:4)
As part of his reply to Nicodemus’ question, Jesus says,
”Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” (John 3:14-15)
Jesus already knew he was going to be “lifted up” on the cross so that you and I might be “born again” and have eternal life.
Sometimes it’s a good idea to go back to the basics.
5 comments:
Yes I agree Dan it's important to just step back and think beyond the here and now; to reflect upon the eternal life and I guess to be as decent as possible in this life.
I think you are right about the basics Dan. They are the foundation and the hope.
Many years ago, before being born again, we got our truck pinstriped. It looked beautiful. We were admiring the artists work and then we found John 3:16 printed minutely as a signature. I had no idea what it was. I did know it came from a Bible though, so I found one and I looked it up. It got me to pondering and the H.S. continued to lead me into relationships and illumination that led us to Him.
I told Michelle that I thought I saw you guys there!!! It was such a great performance, huh?!
As always, your Sunday posts always inspire me. Thank you for being you Dan. Tell Betty hi!
Basics - I'm all about it! Love the pin stripe story from TJ and Mark. You go God!!
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