For God so loved the world that he gave his only
Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have
eternal life. (John 3:16)
John 3:16 is one of the most widely quoted verses
from the Holy Bible. Martin Luther called it “the Gospel in
miniature.” Eugene Peterson paraphrased it in The Message as:
This is how much God loved the world: He gave his
Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be
destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting
life.
Fanny Jane Crosby alluded to this scripture in her
words for a familiar hymn:
To God Be the Glory
To God be the glory, great things He hath done!
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the lifegate that all may go in
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory: great things He hath done!
(Presbyterian Hymnal #485)
We admire this Good News and all of its variations
throughout the world in windows, stories, poetry, and music. During
Lent, may we recognize the undeniable truth in it.
Loving God, all glory be unto you. We praise you
for the gift of your Son. We offer thanksgiving for the Word that
you have made known to us. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Irv Poston
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