December 10, 2020

Romans 5:15

But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!

John 3:16

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.

 

I was recently introduced to a new song titled “For God So Loved” by We the Kingdom. As you can imagine from the title, it contains the words of John 3:16. But before the familiar words are sung in the chorus, it begins with an invitation…Come all you weary.

I would venture to say that most of us have used the word ‘weary’ a bit more often this past year. I know I have. Most of my laments begin with an acknowledgement of feeling weary. So, it is a welcome reminder that this gift of life is for me. And just in case you can’t identify with feeling weary today, the song extends the invitation…Come all you sinners.

We are ALL in need of a Savior, as Romans 5:15 reminds us. It is a sobering and humbling thought, that the gift for which I am in the greatest need of, is the same for ALL of us. Some moments, I need to be reminded that my name is on that gift. Other moments, my heart breaks as I desperately want my co-workers (fellow frontline healthcare workers) to know the hope of eternal life. And there are more humbling moments when I realize that I’m standing in judgement of the gift given to someone I see as less worthy. Praise God that He is the giver of a grace that overflows and not me! There is more than enough of it and it will never run out.

As you listen to this declaration of God’s love today, imagine that you get to open a gift early. Your name is on that present and you don’t have to wait until Christmas to open it! Jesus is waiting with open arms and enough grace that overflows to all who believe in Him! In fact, as you listen to it a second time, who does the Father bring to mind? It may be a friend, family member or even an enemy. Imagine their name on that present. Pray for them, that their hearts would be open to His gift of love and eternal life today.

Warning…you may find yourself turning up the volume and clapping! 😉

 

— Katie Thom