God
Loved the World So that He Gave – Lutheran Service Book #571
John 3:1-18
God loved the world so that He gave
His only Son the lost to save,
That all who would in Him believe
Should everlasting life receive.
God
so loved the world. The Father sent His Son to be lifted up. By our very nature
we are in grave danger. We aren’t plagued by snakes as the children of Israel
were. But we are plagued by sin, which causes death. Christ came into the
middle of our world, the snake pit, if you will. The Father lifted Jesus us on
a cross, “and with His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5) John 3:16 captures
God’s plan. He loved us so much that He sent His Son to be lifted up for us.
Almighty
God, our heavenly Father, Your mercies and new every morning; and though we
deserve only punishment, You receive us as Your children and provide for all
our needs of body and soul. Grant that we may heartily acknowledge Your
merciful goodness, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing
obedience; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with
You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.[1]
[1]
Lutheran Service Book, Collect for 4th Sunday in Lent; © 2006
Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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