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.
John
3:16
Thoughts
~ Numbers
have always played an important part in my life (and I suppose most everyone’s
life). “I’m 15 ½” I proudly stated as I anticipated getting my drivers permit.
And then the magical number came: 16! I was able to drive at last. My world
changed dramatically as I was now given bits of freedom with so many choices to
make. Speed limits were numbers I respected because if I didn’t obey them, I
would use my hard earned money to pay the traffic fines. Money numbers, adding
to my account each week, were taken seriously, and I was careful to use my
paychecks, a result of being able to finally drive, for gas, fun and clothes.
Recently a number came into my life in such a powerful
way that it has knocked the breath out of me. 3:16. Max Lucado wrote a book called
“3:16 - The Numbers of Hope” and it is more than I had expected. So much more.
Of course I knew John 3:16. All Christians know it. But Max has taken it apart
and brought me to my feet in celebration of God’s love and to my knees in
appreciation of the gift of life, eternal life, in a way I had never
experienced.
One of the first things Lucado does is remind the
reader of the HOPE that John 3:16 offers. He writes: “He loves, He gave, We believe, We live.”
Simple, yet in the words of this master storyteller, it struck me how many
people do not believe. And never will believe. And never will live with God in
eternity. But their lives do not just stop upon death.
People who do not believe in Christ will live in eternal
hell. It is as black and white as that. Modern times have sadly softened the
gospel and talk about hell is almost taboo, like talking about politics at a two
year olds birthday party. People don’t want to offend anyone with “religious
talk.” I know of people who actually think that after death adults who are
unsaved will be given a last opportunity to choose to believe in God. That is a
falsehood from the enemy of God and one designed to make people not share the
truth now. It is in life that our choice must be made.
We need to take hold of John 3:16 in a way like we
never have before. It is “The Number of
Hope!” What would we say to a person after their death if they were able to
ask us why we didn’t share the truth about John 3:16? I shudder to think of
missed opportunities on my part and pray that I never miss one again.
Action
~ Memorize
the 26 words of hope from John 3:16. Write them on the tablet of your heart. Be
ready to share them in any way you feel is right and appropriate . . . at all
times. Tim Tebow did it and so can we. I chose this version because it is the
one I memorized when I was with Campus Crusade for Christ.
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.
John
3:16
Bible gateway.com has any version you like: http://www.biblegateway.com/
I do not make any money from my blog or from promoting
this book by Lucado. It is an amazing, easy to read book and I enthusiastically
recommend it to you. I found mine at a Goodwill store for under $3.00. A very
good number!:)
Prayer~
Father,
Thank You for loving me so much and giving me your Son so that I will
experience life for eternity with You. Give me a gentle boldness to share the
Good News about Jesus. May the Holy Spirit guide me in sharing John 3:16 and
may I be sensitive to those who are seeking.
Trusting in the Lord,
Becky
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