Word to the Wise
Wednesday, April 18, 2007 - Wednesday in the Second Week of Easter
[Acts 5:17-26 and John 3:16-21]God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.
Many people know the citation for these words better than the words because the citation, JOHN 3:16 shows up in end zone shots at football games around the country from time to time. I wonder how many people go and get their Bibles and look it up. I wonder how many who do that see the quote just say, "Oh THAT!" and then close the Bible and sit back down to ignore the banner for the rest of the game. The words are very important words. I would wager that we value those friends who put up with us and love us even when we are not very easy to be around or downright mean for whatever reason. In the Gospel of John, the "world" represents the sinful nature of humanity that refuses to accept Jesus and his mission to save the world. This world is still loved by God, however, and Jesus is the definitive expression of divine love and mercy. God is the friend who doesn't give up on us! Notice that the words of today's gospel go on to say, "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him." I am grateful beyond words for friends who never give up on me. I am certainly grateful that God doesn't give up on me! AMEN