– 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 tht 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 are3 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 sight.[2] -22
April, 2021
[1] Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B © 1981 John Brokhoff, CSS Publishing, Lima OH
[2] Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St, Louis
The Good Shepherd Window which adorns the North entrance of Zion Friedheim Lutheran Church, Decatur, IN
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