Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Thursday prior to Easter 4



1 John 3:16-24 – The readings from St John’s first epistle continue with this short passage. In it, John contrasts those in the world, who do not know the Father because they have rejected the Son, with believers, who put their trust in Christ, and, thus, have been made the children of God.

See what love says St. John v.1 It is a common cliché, “God loves you.” How do you know for sure? What proof do you have? John says we see the love of God in the fact that God calls us his children. Behind God’s considering us his children is the price paid on the cross to make us his children. In Christ God paid for our sins and thus we are acceptable to him. On the basis of the cross God has adopted us as his children. What would God do this? Are we worthy of his sacrifice? IT was a matter of pure, undeserved grace.

We Christians know that we are the children of God if so, then why are we so feverishly occupied in these days with the question of identity? Who are we? Do we, understand ourselves? John removes all questions and doubts about our identity when he claims that we are the children of God. Yes, we are sinners, but now God’s redeemed sinners are made into God’s children. Yes, we are humans, but more than that – children of the King. How do we know we are God’s children? We know it because of the cross and resurrection, because of God’s Word. Because of faith, because the Spirit witnesses to our spirits that we are his children.   1 

An afternoon prayer: Heavenly Father, in whom we live and move and have our being, we humbly pray You so to guide and govern us by Your Word and Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget You but remember that we are ever walking in Your sight2

Sources:
1. Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B © 1981 John Brokhoff, CSS Publishing, Lima OH
2. Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St, Louis

No comments: