I borrowed this week’s devotional from Sara Freymuth and the FCA. You can access the full, original devotional here.
READY
“For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
SET
We hear about gifted athletes, those with an extra dose of talent, drive, or charisma. Their greatness is apparent in the way they play, often head and shoulders above the rest, going down as all-stars in the history of their sport.
We must remember that we all may have been given different abilities, but God has gifted us individually. And, He offers us an even greater gift that goes with us in every aspect of our lives.
In John 3, we learn about this gift as Jesus shares with a man in search of something greater.
Nicodemus was a man gifted with intelligence, opportunity, wealth, and status. When word that a young teacher, Jesus of Nazareth, was speaking all sorts of new thoughts of God and claiming to be God, his curiosity piqued. Something about this man sparked a longing in Nicodemus, and he had to know more.
One evening, he met with Jesus, quietly and privately, away from the prying eyes of his peers. Jesus launched into predicting how the Son of Man must be lifted up to give eternal life, connecting Old Testament pictures of Moses with the Messiah.
“For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
In a world of works and rule-keeping, this upside-down concept of a loving God gifting grace through a Savior seemed remarkable.
No rules, no performing? It’s not what we can offer, but what God is giving.
This is the crux on which the whole of humanity hinges.
The greater gift, the greatest gift, is God giving us eternal life with Him through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Have you been relying on your own performance and the demands to keep up? Are they weighing you down? In God, we are already accepted. We simply need to accept His love through the gift of Jesus.
It’s grace, plain and simple. The best gift of all.
Nicodemus left his conversation with Jesus changed. We, too, can transform our lives into something wonderful when we receive the gift of Jesus.
GO
Where are you in need of Jesus’ transforming love and mercy?
How can you see His care being greater than what anyone else can offer?
Live out John 3:16 today in a way that shows how Jesus is the greatest gift we need.
WORKOUT
OVERTIME
“Father, there is nothing I can do to earn favor in Your eyes. No performance, no action, no giving; but You freely offer me Your love through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. I want to receive Jesus into my life as my Savior and follow Him all my days. Thank You for this gift of salvation, and life in full, both now and forever. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
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