S) "1 See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him."
1 John 3:1 (NASB)
O) John was called the disciple whom Jesus loved, or the beloved disciple, and it's no wonder that so much of his letters focuses on the love of Christ. He really understood the reality of the love of God. To be sure, this is a wonderful promise! It is wondrous, the love God has for us. John himself, wrote the words that God loved the world so much, He sent His only Son to die for us. For a long time, I held a particular appreciation that I am saved, since I was not Jewish, but even the Jews didn't consider themselves sons of God, but sons of Abraham. This is more, though. Being a son of God is the assertion Jesus made, which goes beyond being of Israel. In Christ, we are made fellow heirs of the promises in Christ. He is the firstborn, and we are made His brethren. That is so great a love! That is why John finishes that verse with a reminder, a warning of sorts, that the world didn't know Christ, so they won't know us.
A) As great a promise as this is, and that itself cannot really be overstated, I also noticed that this is in part, an instruction. John says, "See..." Like so many songs from Kids Praise, Psalty the singing psalm book taught me this verse in the KJV. In that song/version, the word is translated "Behold..." I think that word especially, conveys that this is an imperative statement. I need to see it, to set my eyes on it, to behold it. God loves me so, so much, that He has made me His son. How great a love, indeed.
P) Father, my words will never correctly thank You for so great a love. In a way, I know that even that inability is a testament to Your grace. Even if I had the comprehension to fully see this grace, and even if I had the perfect words, it still wouldn't be enough to thank You. The only response, is that I would completely submit my life to You. Help me keep this beautiful promise in mind today. Let me heed the imperative word of John, that I would see the truth of Your love, that I would behold it, that I would keep my eyes focused on the reality, power, and purpose of Your love, in all the grace You have given it. Thank You, Father God. When the world turns against me, let me remember that they were first against Jesus. If I am treated like Him, then I am all the more thankful to walk as He walked, and suffer as He suffered, as long as You are glorified as He glorified You. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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